How to Do an Alley Oops on a Snowboard

The Alley Oops is a classic aerial trick performed by professional snowboarders for decades. If you watch any snowboard competition, you will see the Alley Oops used by more than one competitor. Often times this trick shows off the boarder's ability to get big air (jumping as high as possible off the lip of the half pipe or bowl). Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrist guards
• Half pipe or bowl at local snowboard park
• Freestyle snowboard
• Proper pads and helmet

Do an Alley Oops on a Snowboard

1. Warm up by getting some good air (distance traveled up into the air from the ground) in a half pipe or bowl. Speed and the lift you provide create air. Crouch down for speed and as you get to the lip, lift up slightly.

2. Head to the edge of the pipe with the front side (nose) of the board leading the way. The direction is different if you board regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward) footed.

3. Flatten the snowboard onto the snow as you get to the lip instead of riding an edge.

4. Bend over and grab the board as you leave the lip if you need extra support for the upcoming 180 degree turn.

5. Twist your body 180 degrees in the opposite direction you are traveling. If you are regular footed, you will turn 180 degrees toward your left side and around your back. If you are goofy footed, you will turn 180 degrees toward your right side of your body and around your back.

6. Let go of the board before you reach the lip if you grabbed it before the turn.

7. Land with the snowboard flat in your natural stance (regular or goofy). Keep your knees bent to absorb the landing.

8. Ride the landing out and prepare to do another Alley Oops on the pipe.

9. Practice the switch (non-natural stance) Alley Oops after you have the trick down in your regular stance.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to fall while learning the Alley Oops just like you did when learning many other snowboarding tricks.
• Always wear pads when learning new tricks, especially wrist guards and a helmet.
• Don't attempt this trick until you are comfortable riding in a half pipe or bowl.
• Make sure you watch for other snowboarders when you do Alley Oops or other tricks on the snow to avoid possible collisions.

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Resources

• Classic.Mountainzone.com for Alley Oops video