How to Backside Axle Stall on a Skateboard (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learning how to backside axle stall on a skateboard is a major milestone for any skater progressing into transition tricks. This classic coping trick builds confidence on ramps, bowls, and mini ramps, and it opens the door to more advanced stall and grind variations.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to backside axle stall, including foot placement, approach speed, common mistakes, and pro tips to help you lock it in faster.

What Is a Backside Axle Stall?

A backside axle stall is a transition skateboarding trick where both trucks lock onto the coping at the top of a ramp, with your back facing the ramp (backside position). The skateboard’s axle sits directly on the coping, momentarily stalling before you drop back in.

This trick is typically performed on:

• Mini ramps

• Quarter pipes

• Bowls

• Skatepark transitions

Prerequisites Before You Try a Backside Axle Stall

Before attempting a backside axle stall, you should be comfortable with:

• Riding up and down transition

• Backside kickturns

• Pumping for speed

• Dropping in confidently

If kickturns still feel sketchy, spend more time mastering them first — they’re essential for committing to the stall.

Backside Axle Stall Foot Placement

Proper foot placement makes a huge difference when learning axle stalls.

• Front foot: Near the middle of the board, slightly angled

• Back foot: On the tail, ready to apply pressure

• Shoulders: Open and facing the ramp (this helps with balance)

• Eyes: Look toward the coping, not down at your board

Keeping your weight centered over the trucks is key.

How to Backside Axle Stall: Step-by-Step

1. Approach the Ramp With Controlled Speed

Roll toward the ramp at a moderate pace. Too slow and you won’t reach the coping; too fast and you’ll overshoot it.

2. Ride Up the Transition

As you ride up, bend your knees and stay relaxed. Keep your shoulders aligned with your board.

3. Lock Both Trucks Onto the Coping

When your front wheels clear the coping, gently shift your weight back so both axles land evenly on the coping. Your board should stall with the trucks balanced, not leaning forward or backward.

4. Pause and Stay Balanced

Hold the stall briefly. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered directly over the coping.

5. Drop Back In

To come back in, slightly lean forward and let your front wheels roll back into the ramp. Stay committed and ride away clean.

Common Backside Axle Stall Mistakes

Avoid these common errors when learning backside axle stalls:

• Leaning too far back (causes slipping out)

• Not committing to the coping

• Looking down instead of forward

• Approaching with inconsistent speed

If you keep missing the coping, try going slightly faster or pumping harder on your approach.

Pro Tips to Improve Your Backside Axle Stall

• Start on low coping before moving to bigger ramps

• Practice stalling briefly before dropping back in

• Focus on landing both trucks at the same time

• Wear pads when learning — they boost confidence

• Film yourself to spot balance issues

Once you feel comfortable, try variations like backside axle stall to fakie or axle stall 180s.

Why Learn the Backside Axle Stall?

The backside axle stall is a foundation trick that helps you progress into:

• Backside axle grinds

• Smith stalls

• Feeble stalls

• Rock-to-axle tricks

Mastering it improves your balance, timing, and control on transition.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to backside axle stall on a skateboard takes practice, commitment, and repetition — but once it clicks, it becomes one of the most satisfying transition tricks to land. Stay patient, focus on balance, and don’t rush the process.

Keep skating, keep pushing yourself, and most importantly — have fun.