# Flat Ground Tricks

Part of the Skating Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/index.md)

*2. Option D — Skateboarding*

> **2d14a.** Flat ground tricks

Flat ground tricks are performed on level pavement without ramps, rails, or obstacles. They are the most accessible trick category for beginners — all you need is a smooth surface. Demonstrate at least one clear flat ground trick for your counselor.

### What Counts as a Flat Ground Trick

Any trick performed on flat pavement counts. Common examples:

**Manual (one-foot wheelie):** Balance on the back two wheels while rolling — nose lifted, tail not touching the ground. Hold for distance. A nose manual does the reverse (nose wheels only).

**180 ollie:** An ollie in which you rotate your body and board 180° during the airborne phase. You land riding in the opposite direction (fakie). Both frontside 180 (rotating toward your toes) and backside 180 (rotating toward your heels) count.

**Casper (advanced):** A trick where the board flips to grip-tape-down and balances on your foot briefly before being flipped back. More advanced — include if it is in your repertoire.

**No-comply (footplant crossover):** A trick where the front foot steps off, plants on the ground, and the board is redirected. Sometimes categorized with footplant tricks, but the flat ground version is widely recognized as a flat trick.

### Counselor Demonstration Tips

For a manual, ride smoothly for at least 3–5 feet on the back wheels with the nose clearly elevated. For a 180, land clean in fakie position without stepping off. Clean landings and clear technique matter more than height or distance.

## Official Resources

Video: [Flatland Tricks (video)](https://youtu.be/-LwtQJFqNOA)

[How to Manual on Skateboard (video)](https://player.vimeo.com/video/901305720): A step-by-step guide to landing a smooth manual — foot placement, weight balance, and technique for holding the balance point.

[How to Throwdown on Skateboard (video)](https://player.vimeo.com/video/901305789): Tutorial for the throwdown (board toss) flat ground trick — a creative entry move where the board is dropped and the rider mounts it from standing.

[How to 180 on a Skateboard (video)](https://player.vimeo.com/video/901305968): Covers both frontside and backside 180 techniques with detailed foot placement, shoulder rotation, and landing cues.

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