No Olympian can make it to the medal stand without lots of practice and good coaching, so why would anyone imagine they can slide across the hood of their car all super-cool just like they do in the movies and on TV, without knowing the proper technique? Arrogance, that’s why.

Fortunately, you don’t suffer from such hubris, and you want to know how to do things the right way–nay, the professional way–which is why this step-by-step breakdown from the folks over at Gear Patrol is just what you need to go from being a sliding dud to a sliding stud.

Before any sliding commences though, make sure you have plenty of physical space to safely do it, you use your own car (or that of someone who is okay with you doing this) with a flat hood, and nothing on you can scratch the car. Then, and only then, can you start pretending to be a cop engaged in a totally awesome foot pursuit.

Here’s the video breakdown:

Oh, okay, that wasn’t as hard as we made it sound. It’s really just 1) run fast, 2) put your hand down, 3) lift your legs, and 4) look cool.

But oh it does look so cool when you do it right. I mean, this  like an Olympic hurdler showing off after a few drinks.

They must teach this at all police academies right? It would explain why T.J. Hooker was so good at it, and also why it was such an integral part of one of the greatest music videos of all time, courtesy of the Beastie Boys.

So remember, if you want to slide across the hood of your car like a pro, it requires confidence, not arrogance. And also don’t do it when anyone is watching in case you fall.

What’s the best “sliding across the hood” scene in pop culture? Slide into our comments section and tell us yours.

Image: Gear Patrol