# How to 50-50 Grind

> A 50-50 grind is both trucks locked on top of a ledge or rail while you slide across it. A step-by-step guide from Skate AI (getskateai.com).

Canonical: https://getskateai.com/tricks/50-50
Last updated: 2026-10-19

Grinds & slides · Level 2 of 5 · Learn first: [Ollie](https://getskateai.com/tricks/ollie)

## The short answer

A 50-50 grind is both trucks locked on top of a ledge or rail while you slide across it. Approach almost parallel to the ledge, ollie high enough to clear the edge, and land with your back foot over the back truck and front foot over the front truck. Ride the slide balanced, then ollie off the end.

## Where your feet go

- **Regular:** Approach almost parallel and ollie up with your feet in ollie position: back foot in the middle of the tail, front foot a few centimeters behind the front bolts. Lock both trucks on top, with a little more weight on the back foot.
- **Goofy:** Approach almost parallel and ollie up with your feet in ollie position: back foot in the middle of the tail, front foot a few centimeters behind the front bolts. Lock both trucks on top, with a little more weight on the back foot.

## Step by step

Each step is a part of the trick Skate AI scores when you film a try.

1. **Approach:** Roll toward a low ledge or curb almost parallel to it, at a slow, steady speed.
2. **Pop:** Ollie just before the ledge, popping enough to clear the edge with both trucks.
3. **Lock in:** Land with your back foot over the back truck and front foot over the front truck, both trucks on top of the ledge.
4. **Grind:** Keep your weight centered and knees bent as the trucks slide. Look down the ledge, not at your feet.
5. **Pop out:** Ollie off the end of the ledge and land rolling, weight centered over the board.

## Troubleshooting

### You slip off the front or back of the ledge

**Why:** Your weight is too far forward or back instead of centered over both trucks.

**Fix:** Center your weight evenly between both feet as soon as you land.

### You bonk the ledge and stop short

**Why:** You didn't ollie high enough or you approached at too steep an angle.

**Fix:** Ollie higher and keep your approach closer to parallel.

### The board turns sideways mid-grind

**Why:** One foot is pressing harder than the other, twisting the trucks off the ledge.

**Fix:** Keep even pressure on both feet and look straight down the ledge.

### You catch a wheel instead of the trucks

**Why:** You landed too far onto the ledge instead of right on the edge.

**Fix:** Aim your ollie so the trucks land right at the edge, not the wheels.

## Drill

Practice locking in on a low, flat ledge or curb you can ollie onto from a stand-still roll. Aim to hold the grind for a full board length before popping out.

## FAQ

### How do I stop sliding off the ledge?

Keep your weight centered evenly between both feet the whole way across. Leaning forward or back tips one truck off the ledge before the other.

### What should I practice a 50-50 on first?

A low, flat ledge or curb about knee height, with a slow, controlled roll-up. Skip rails and higher ledges until the lock-in feels automatic.

### Why does my board stop dead on the ledge?

You're probably not popping high enough to clear the lip, so the trucks catch instead of landing on top. Ollie higher and aim for the top of the ledge.

### Do I need wax for a 50-50?

Not on a metal ledge or rail, but wax helps on rough concrete ledges that grab your trucks. A thin layer is enough; too much makes the ledge slippery to stand on.

## What to learn next

- Learn first: [Ollie](https://getskateai.com/tricks/ollie)
- Next: [5-0](https://getskateai.com/tricks/5-0)
- Next: [Nosegrind](https://getskateai.com/tricks/nosegrind)
- Next: [Frontside Boardslide](https://getskateai.com/tricks/frontside-boardslide)

App: [Skate AI: Kickflip Ollie Coach on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6814983538)

## Related

- [All 11 grinds and slides, easiest to hardest](https://getskateai.com/skateboard-grinds)
- [Foot placement chart for every flat trick](https://getskateai.com/skateboard-foot-placement-chart)
- [All 64 trick guides](https://getskateai.com/tricks)