Top 10 Beginner Skateboard Games to Know as an Instructor

10 Games for Beginner Skaters

Skate Limbo: Set up a limbo bar, stick, pool noodle, string, or any suitable item. Challenge skaters to ride under it, aiming to see how low they can go with both feet on their skateboard. For our younger participants, feel free to let them ride under using any creative style, like “coffin-style” or on their bellies.

Skate Bowling: Arrange cones in a triangular pattern, resembling bowling pins. In this game, students ride their boards toward the cones, aiming to knock down as many as possible. Special: For younger students, you can have them ride using any creative style they like.

Skate Limbo-Bowling: Combine the excitement of Limbo and Bowling. Set up the limbo pole as before, and have skaters ride under it. For the added twist, skaters can choose to 1) crash into the cones or 2) roll a small tennis or soccer ball into the cones. Remember, both feet must remain planted on the board throughout. If a skater loses balance or steps off the board before reaching the limbo pole, their turn concludes.

Red Light, Green Light: One skater becomes the “traffic light” (it’s best if it’s the instructor) and delivers commands. On the command “green light,” skaters move forward; on “red light,” they must come to a stop.

Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the ground using chalk. Use cones as game pieces. Students ride toward the grid with both feet on the board and place their cone in an empty spot. A student’s turn is forfeited if they collide with an opponent’s cone, fall off the board, or lift one foot off the board before crossing the end of the grid.

Invent A Trick: Invent A Trick: Dedicate 5-10 minutes for you and your student to brainstorm creative trick ideas. After the allotted time, take turns sharing the tricks you both developed, focusing on expanding your student’s creativity.

With a larger group, form groups of 3-5 students. Allocate a 5-10 minute timeframe for each group to invent an original trick. Once time’s up, groups share their creations with others and attempt the tricks. Encourage creativity and innovative use of skatepark obstacles. Remember, tricks needn’t be entirely new; they can be fresh variations or concepts.

Simon Says: A twist on the classic game. Play Simon Says using skateboarding-related commands. Ideal for younger students.
Leapfrog: Arrange skateboards in a line, placing two or three boards sequentially, and optionally, a deck. Instruct your student to jump off both feet and land on the skateboard in front of them simultaneously, ensuring both feet touch down at once and are positioned over the bolts. To intensify the challenge, position the last skateboard perpendicular to the others, forming a “T” shape. This arrangement propels the student forward upon landing. Here’s where the challenge gets exciting: your student needs to land with their knees bent and their body weight leaning forward for optimal balance. For younger students, you can perform this game in the grass or by using Skate Trainers.
Obstacle Course: If you’re fortunate to have the skatepark exclusively, take turns setting up cones as obstacles within the park. Remember, while the enthusiasm of our young participants can be infectious, maintaining control as the instructor is key.
Pick ’em up, Put ’em down: For this game, gather at least one tennis ball and three cones. Place the cones in a line, ideally five in number. Position a tennis ball atop the first and third cones. Instruct the skater to ride to the first cone, pick up the tennis ball with both feet on the skateboard, and then place it onto the second cone while still remaining on the board. Remember, the skateboard can be stepped off for pushing only when not picking up or putting down the tennis ball. Repeat the process for the third and fourth cones.