The ollie is one of the most essential tricks in skateboarding and often the first trick new skaters want to learn. Mastering an ollie not only opens up a world of more advanced tricks but also helps with overall board control. This trick can seem tricky at first, but with practice and persistence, you’ll get the hang of it. In this guide, we’ll break down how to do an ollie and help you land that perfect jump.
What Is an Ollie? It’s clarify what an ollie actually is. An ollie is a skateboarding trick where the rider pops the skateboard off the ground without using their hands. It’s the foundation for many other tricks and is performed by snapping the tail of the board against the ground while simultaneously dragging the front foot upward.
Why Is Learning an Ollie Important?
Learning an ollie is crucial because it unlocks many other tricks, both on flat ground and over obstacles. Once you’ve got this basic trick down, you can begin to perform kickflips, heelflips, grinds, and more. Plus, an ollie allows you to clear obstacles, get onto curbs, and tackle ramps. It’s the fundamental skill for all street and park skating.
Getting Started with the Ollie.
1. Foot Placement
The first step in learning how to do an ollie is getting your foot placement right. Your back foot should be positioned on the tail of the skateboard, with the ball of your foot resting on the edge. Meanwhile, your front foot should be placed just behind the front bolts, slightly angled forward. Having the right foot placement is crucial for balance and control.
2. Pop the Tail
Once you’re comfortable with your foot positioning, the next step is to pop the tail. To do this, push down hard with your back foot on the tail, causing the board to hit the ground. This popping motion is what propels the skateboard into the air. While doing this, remember to keep your weight centered over the board, not leaning too far back or forward.
3. Slide Your Front Foot
As soon as you pop the tail, it’s time to slide your front foot up the board. This is key to controlling the height and balance of the ollie. Drag your front foot along the grip tape toward the nose of the board. This movement helps level out the skateboard in mid-air, ensuring a clean and smooth ollie.
4. Jump!
While popping the tail and sliding your foot, you’ll want to jump at the same time. This jump is what gives an ollie its height. The higher and how hard you pop your tail, the higher your ollie will be. But don’t worry about jumping too high at first—focus on timing and coordination between your jump, pop, and slide.
5. Level the Board!
As you reach the peak of your jump, your front foot should be near the nose of the board, and the back of the board should start to rise. At this point, your body should be centered over the board, and you’ll need to level it out. This helps ensure that the skateboard lands flat rather than nose or tail-first.
6. Land on All Four Wheels.
Now for the landing. Once the board is leveled out in the air, your next goal is to bring it down with control. Aim to land on all the bolts, simultaneously. Keep your knees bent to absorb the impact and maintain your balance. If you land too hard or with stiff legs, you’re more likely to lose your balance or fall.
Tips for Mastering the Ollie.
Learning how to do an ollie can be challenging at first, but with consistent practice, you’ll improve your technique. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while practicing:
Stay Relaxed
Tension in your body can throw off your balance and control. Stay loose and relaxed when you’re attempting an ollie. Keep your knees bent, and don’t overthink each movement—let it come naturally with practice.
Find Your Balance
The most important thing when performing an ollie is balance. Practice standing on your skateboard with proper foot placement until you feel comfortable. This will help you maintain balance during the trick.
Practice the Pop
Popping the tail correctly is essential for getting the height you need. Start by practicing the pop on its own without worrying about jumping or sliding your foot. Once you get used to the motion, integrate it into the full ollie.
Commit to the Trick
One of the biggest challenges for beginners is committing fully to the trick. It’s easy to hesitate or pull back mid-ollie, but this will prevent you from landing the trick. Be confident in your movements and commit to each attempt, even if you don’t land it right away.
Use Your Shoulders
Your shoulders play a bigger role in an ollie than you might think. Keep them square and in line with your skateboard. Your body’s alignment and momentum can influence the direction and control of your ollie.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like with any skateboarding trick, practice is key. You won’t land the perfect ollie on your first try, and that’s okay. Set small goals, like getting the board off the ground, then focus on leveling it out. Celebrate small improvements and keep pushing yourself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (H2 Heading)
It’s normal to make mistakes when learning how to do an ollie, but understanding what can go wrong helps you correct your technique faster. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
Not sliding the front foot enough: Without the sliding motion, your board won’t lift properly, making it hard to gain height or level out.
Leaning too far back or forward: Leaning in either direction can cause you to lose balance or the board to fly out from under you.
Stiff legs: Failing to bend your knees during the landing can result in a rough impact, making it harder to stick the trick.
Inconsistent pop: A weak or uneven pop can affect the overall control of the ollie. Make sure to practice popping the tail with precision.
Final Thoughts ( H2 Heading)
Learning how to do an ollie is an exciting challenge for skateboarders of all skill levels. It’s the gateway to countless other tricks and will boost your confidence on the board. Remember to practice regularly, stay patient with yourself, and enjoy the process. Every time you attempt an ollie, you’re getting closer to mastering it.
Whether you’re looking to perform tricks at the skatepark or simply want better control over your skateboard, an ollie is a fundamental skill that every skater should have in their arsenal.
