Balance is the foundation of longboarding, it affects everything from your stability during rides to your ability to maneuver. When you’re on your board, a solid center of gravity helps you absorb bumps and maintain control. Good balance allows for smooth turns and quick reactions to changing terrain. Let’s dive into a few cool drills for strengthening your balance.
Drill 1: the one-leg stand
Start this drill by standing on one leg for 30 seconds. Keep your other leg bent at the knee, lifting it off the ground. Engage your core and focus on a point in front of you to help maintain your balance.
To increase the challenge, try closing your eyes or standing on an unstable surface like a cushion. This drill improves your stability and strengthens the muscles around your ankles and knees – that’s essential for control on your board.
Drill 2: the heel-to-toe walk
This drill involves walking along a straight line, placing your heel directly in front of your toes with each step. This enhances your balance and body awareness. You can perform this on flat ground or challenge yourself by doing it on an incline or while on your board.
This helps train your body to stay centered, which translates well to longboarding.
Drill 3: balance board training
Using a balance board can significantly enhance your stability. Stand on the board with your feet shoulder-width apart. Focus on keeping the board level while shifting your weight forward, backward, and side to side. Aim for longer durations without losing balance.
The instability of the balance board forces your core and stabilizer muscles to engage. This will lead to improved balance when you’re back on your longboard.
Drill 4: side-to-side weight shifts
Position yourself in a comfortable stance on your board, knees slightly bent. Shift your weight from one foot to the other, feeling the pressure change in your toes and heels. This exercise helps you get used to the dynamics of your board.
Then try it while riding slowly to experiment the feeling in motion. As you become more comfortable, increase your speed or add turns for extra challenge.
Drill 5: the T-Pose drill
For this drill, find a flat surface and ride slowly in a straight line. As you gain speed, extend your arms out to the sides, forming a “T” shape with your body. This position opens your chest and forces you to engage your core for balance. Hold this pose as long as you can without losing stability.
Drill 6: partner balance games
Grab a friend for this drill. Stand on your boards facing each other and try to push each other off balance without stepping off. Use gentle nudges and shifts in weight to challenge each other. This improves your balance in a dynamic way and builds your ability to react quickly.
Drill 7: obstacle course challenge
Set up a mini obstacle course with cones, sticks, or any safe items. Ride through the course, weaving in and out while maintaining balance. This drill forces you to adjust your weight quickly and stay focused on your center of gravity.