• A skateboarder launches in the airskateboarding image by Taboga from Fotolia.com
  
  Skateboarding has been a worldwide sport for years, and the industry continues to grow as more fans become involved for both leisure and competitions. The half-pipe is one of the most recognizable pieces of skateboarding equipment and is a featured event at ESPN's "X Games." Skateboarding the half-pipe allows skaters to show off their technical precision and creative flair when performing a series of connected aerial tricks.
  
  

Handplant

• The hand plant is one of the most recognizable tricks in half-pipe skateboarding. The trick is performed by skating up the ramp and planting one hand on the lip of the wall while bringing the skateboard above the head with the opposite arm. A hand plant can be done either front side or backside and can be incorporated with other tricks.
  
  

Kick Flips

• A kick flip is the most difficult basic tricksTeenage Skateboarder at Sunset image by Scott Griessel from Fotolia.com
  
  The kick flip is one of the most difficult basic tricks. While riding, the skateboarder positions his back foot toward the rear of the skateboard and the front foot toward the side of the top. When ready to perform the trick, he quickly pushes the back end of the board down to the ground with his rear foot. This action pops the skateboard into the air allowing him to then press down with the front foot, which causes the skateboard to flip and rotate 360 degrees.
  
  

The Indy

• The Indy is performed by bringing both knees toward the chest and grabbing the skateboard.skateboard image by bacalao from Fotolia.com
  
  Another basic trick, the Indy is one of the most common moves in half-pipe because it allows the skater to transition into other tricks. To perform an Indy, the skater launches vertically into the air from one side of the half pipe, brings both knees up toward his chest and grabs the side of the board with one arm. Professionals and more advanced skaters use the Indy to transition into 360 degree rotations before landing.
  
  

The Backside Boardslide

• The Back Side Board Slide is a basic half-pipe trick that skateboarders use to slow their speed, prepare for a trick or take a rest. One foot is positioned at the bottom of the board and the other at the top. When approaching the lip of the half-pipe, the skateboarder begins pivoting his front foot downward. This forces the skateboard to turn 180 degrees. Center the skateboard on the lip. The speed and momentum will cause you and the skateboard to slide across the half-pipe.