# How to Manual on a Skateboard

> A manual is rolling on just your back wheels with the nose held up, like a wheelie. A step-by-step guide from Skate AI (getskateai.com).

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

Flat ground · Level 1 of 5

## The short answer

A manual is rolling on just your back wheels with the nose held up, like a wheelie. Keep your back foot flat on the tail and your front foot just behind the front bolts. Press the tail down lightly, not with a stomp, then hold the balance point with small ankle and knee adjustments instead of big corrections.

## Where your feet go

- **Regular:** Ball of the back foot where the tail starts to curve up. Front foot just behind the front bolts, turned slightly toward the nose. Press the tail lightly and hold the balance point.
- **Goofy:** Ball of the back foot where the tail starts to curve up. Front foot just behind the front bolts, turned slightly toward the nose. Press the tail lightly and hold the balance point.

## Step by step

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

1. **Set up:** Back foot flat on the tail, not up in a kick position. Front foot just behind the front bolts.
2. **Shift:** Press the tail down lightly to lift the nose, using your back foot, not a jump or a stomp.
3. **Balance:** Find the point where the nose hangs steady, then make tiny ankle and knee adjustments to hold it there.
4. **Hold:** Keep your eyes ahead, not down at your feet, and hold your arms out for balance as you roll.
5. **Set down:** Ease the nose back down by shifting weight slightly forward, instead of dropping it.

## Troubleshooting

### The nose slams down almost immediately

**Why:** You stomped the tail down instead of pressing it lightly.

**Fix:** Use light, gradual pressure on the tail, not a sudden stomp.

### You overcorrect and rock back and forth

**Why:** Your adjustments are too big for the balance point.

**Fix:** Make smaller ankle movements. Big knee bends overcorrect and tip you the other way.

### You can't hold it for more than a second

**Why:** You're looking down at your feet instead of ahead.

**Fix:** Pick a spot ahead of you and keep your eyes there. Your feet will find the balance on their own.

### The board shoots out from under you

**Why:** You leaned back too far past the balance point.

**Fix:** Keep your weight centered over the trucks, not hanging off the tail.

## Drill

Practice holding the balance point while stationary or pushed by a friend, then work up to 5 rolling manuals across a parking lot.

## FAQ

### How long does it take to learn a manual?

It varies, but expect weeks of short practice sessions since it's a balance skill, not a one-time motion like a pop trick.

### Why can't I hold my manual for very long?

You're likely overcorrecting with big movements. Smaller, constant ankle adjustments hold the balance longer than large corrections.

### Do I need speed to manual?

A little rolling speed helps stability, but you can practice the balance point standing still or barely moving first.

### What's the difference between a manual and a nose manual?

A manual balances on the back wheels with the nose up. A nose manual balances on the front wheels with the tail up.

## What to learn next

- Next: [Nose Manual](https://getskateai.com/tricks/nose-manual)
- Next: [5-0](https://getskateai.com/tricks/5-0)

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

## Related

- [New to skating? How to push, turn and stop](https://getskateai.com/how-to-skateboard)
- [Foot placement chart for every flat trick](https://getskateai.com/skateboard-foot-placement-chart)
- [All 64 trick guides](https://getskateai.com/tricks)