Introduction
Ollieing is one of the most fundamental skateboard tricks every beginner should master. Not only does it allow you to jump over obstacles and gaps, but it is also the basis for more advanced maneuvers. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to ollie on your skateboard.
Step-by-Step Guide
The following are the five steps to ollie on a skateboard:
Step 1: Proper Foot Placement
Put your back foot on the tail of your skateboard, with the ball of your big toe over the edge. Your front foot should be in the middle of the board, around two inches from the front bolts, with your toes pointing forward.
Step 2: Bend Your Knees
Start by bending your knees and crouching down, similar to a squatting position.
Step 3: Pop Your Tail
Snap your back foot down, hitting the tail of the board against the ground. Make sure to jump off your back foot as you do this, pushing the board down and back.
Step 4: Slide Your Front Foot
As you pop your tail, slide your front foot up the board. This action levels the board out in the air and gives you the height you need to clear obstacles.
Step 5: Bring Your Feet Back to the Board
Bring both feet back to the board, bending your knees to absorb the impact as you land.
Remember that each step is crucial, and you need to get the timing right to execute the maneuver correctly.
Visual Aids
Skateboarders learn better with visual cues. To help you learn the ollie, we have provided step-by-step photos that correspond with each written instruction. Make sure to pay attention to the foot placement, timing, and body posture in each picture to improve your technique.
Common Mistakes
During the process of learning to ollie, a beginner may make common mistakes. Here are a few errors beginner usually make :
- Not Popping the Tail Enough: To get enough lift, you need to ensure that you pop your tail with enough force, keeping your weight centered over the board.
- Leaning Too Much to One Side: Leaning too much to one side as you ollie can cause the board to flip or slide out from under you. Keep your weight balanced over the center of the board at all times.
- Not Sliding Your Front Foot Properly: Getting the right balance between popping the tail and sliding your front foot up the board can be challenging. If you don’t slide your foot correctly, it can result in the board not lifting off the ground.
Practice Tips
It would be best if you practiced repeatedly to master the ollie. Here are some tips to help you:
- Off-Skateboard Training: Improve your core strength and balance. Try exercises off the skateboard to help strengthen your core muscles, legs, and hips.
- Consistency: Do not give up if you don’t get it right at first; keep practicing consistently.
- Gradual Progression: As you start, remember to start with small jumps and work your way up until you can ollie over larger obstacles.
Troubleshooting
While learning to ollie, you may face some common obstacles. We have provided some tips on how to overcome these challenges:
- Popping too Early or Late: Timing is everything with the ollie; make sure you pop your tail at the right moment to achieve the right height.
- Not getting enough height: If you’re not jumping high enough, try bending your knees more or popping your tail harder to get more lift.
Conclusion
Ollieing can be tricky to master, but practice and perseverance can make the process easier. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can improve your ollie technique and take your skateboarding skills to the next level. Keep experimenting, practicing consistently, and gradually pushing your limits.