5-0 Grind
aka 5-0
A 50-50 balanced on the back truck only — basically a manual on the metal. Lift the nose, hold the wheelie down the ledge, and pop out clean.
The Breakdown
Four phases from roll-up to roll-away. Scrub the analyzer above — each phase lights up as the board hits it.
- 01 Approach
Roll up like a 50-50
Approach the ledge nearly parallel with committed speed, feet in ollie position. Treat the setup exactly like a 50-50 — same angle, same pop — because the difference all happens once you land. Spot where the back truck will lock on.
- 02 Ollie On
Pop and lift the nose
Ollie up and, as you land, press the tail down so only the back truck catches the ledge with the nose lifted. Aim the back truck for the metal and keep the front wheels off. This is the moment the trick becomes a grinding manual instead of a 50-50.
- 03 Balance Grind
Hold the manual
Balance on the back truck and let it slide while you keep the nose up. Make tiny ankle adjustments — too much back-foot pressure and the tail drags, too little and the nose drops to 50-50. Keep your shoulders square and your eyes down the ledge.
- 04 Pop Out
Level and roll away
Near the end, level the board back out as you pop or lift off the ledge. Bring the front wheels back down and spot your landing on the ground. Land over the bolts with bent knees and ride away.
When It Goes Wrong
The most common ways 5-0 Grind bails — and the fix. Diagnose your slam, then get back on.
Why does my 5-0 drop back into a 50-50?
You're not holding enough tail pressure, so the nose falls and the front truck catches. Keep steady downward weight on your back foot to hold the manual position the whole grind. It's a constant balance, not a one-time lift.
I scrape the tail and stall instead of grinding.
Too much back-foot pressure — you've tipped past the truck onto the tail. Ease off slightly and find the balance point where only the rear truck rides the metal. It's the same pocket as a flatground manual, just up on the ledge.
How do I keep from spinning off the side of the ledge?
Keep your shoulders parallel to the obstacle and your weight stacked over the back truck. If your upper body opens up the board pivots off. Lock your eyes down the length of the ledge to keep everything tracking straight.
Should I learn manuals before trying 5-0s?
Yes — a solid rolling manual is basically a 5-0 without the ledge. Get comfortable holding the nose up and finding that balance pocket on flat first. Then a dialed 50-50 gives you the lock-on, and the 5-0 is the two combined.
The 5-0 is where grinding meets balance. It’s a 50-50 with the nose lifted — all your weight stacked on the back truck, holding a manual while the metal slides under you. If your manuals are solid and your 50-50 locks every time, this is just stitching the two together.
Don’t fight the wobble, ride it. The back-truck balance point is twitchy at first, but it’s the exact same pocket as a flatground manual — find it on the ground, then bring it up to a low ledge. Hold the nose, keep your shoulders square, and level out before you pop off.
Dial In Your Setup
Gear that makes this trick easier to learn. Tune the setup, not just the technique.
Raised trucks
Standard kingpin · grindable axle
A worn-in back hanger locks the manual grind better than fresh sharp edges. Keep the bushings on the firmer side so the board doesn't wobble while you balance on one truck.
Shop decks & partsSkate wax
Bar or block
Wax the ledge so the single truck slides instead of catching. Since all your weight is on one truck, a sticky surface stalls you instantly — keep that edge slick.
Shop decks & partsMid concave deck (8.0"–8.25")
7-ply maple · medium concave
Concave under the back foot gives you a reference for holding the nose up. The same pocket you use for manuals is what you lean on to balance the grind.
Shop decks & partsAffiliate links may earn nollie.zone a commission — never changes your price.
Stack Your Clip
Landed 5-0 Grind? Soon you'll drop your line here and battle the crew for the top of the board.