How to ollie

What is an Ollie?

The ollie is a foundational skateboarding trick that allows a skateboarder to jump into the air with their board attached to their feet. It's the gateway to countless other aerial tricks, from kickflips to grabs, and mastering it is a crucial milestone for any aspiring skater. Essentially, it involves lifting the board off the ground and bringing it up to meet your feet in the air, all without using your hands. This seemingly simple maneuver is a complex interplay of balance, timing, and technique.

How to Perform an Ollie

To successfully execute an ollie, you need to focus on a few key components:

1. Foot Placement:

Begin by placing your back foot on the tail of the skateboard, with the ball of your foot centered over the edge. Your front foot should be positioned slightly behind the front bolts, angled slightly towards the nose of the board. This placement allows for optimal leverage and control during the trick.

2. The Pop:

The first motion is to quickly and forcefully snap the tail of the board down onto the ground. This action is often referred to as the 'pop'. It's this pop that generates the upward momentum for the board. Think of it like quickly flicking your ankle downwards. The timing of this pop is critical; it needs to be sharp and immediate.

3. The Slide:

Immediately after popping the tail, you need to slide your front foot up the board towards the nose. The sole of your shoe should drag along the grip tape in a smooth, upward motion. This slide is what levels out the board in the air and brings it up with you. It's important to slide your foot all the way to the nose of the board and then slightly off the side to 'catch' the board and bring it up.

4. The Jump and Leveling:

As you pop the tail and slide your front foot, you also need to jump upwards. This jump should be coordinated with the board's movement. As your front foot slides up and off the nose, it guides the board to level out in the air. The goal is for the board to become parallel to the ground at the peak of its ascent, with your feet still on it.

5. Landing:

Once the board has reached its highest point and leveled out, you need to bring your knees up towards your chest to give the board space to land underneath you. Aim to land with your feet centered over the bolts, absorbing the impact by bending your knees. This smooth landing is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls.

Tips for Learning the Ollie:

• Start Stationary: Begin by practicing the ollie while standing still on a flat, stable surface. Once you're comfortable, you can gradually progress to moving.
• Practice on Grass/Carpet: Initially, practicing on grass or carpet can be beneficial. These surfaces prevent the board from rolling away, allowing you to focus solely on the popping and sliding motions without worrying about movement.
• Master Each Step: Break down the ollie into its individual components: foot placement, the pop, the slide, and the jump. Focus on mastering each step before trying to combine them.
• Watch and Learn: Observe experienced skateboarders performing the ollie. Pay attention to their body movements, timing, and footwork. There are also many excellent online tutorials available.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Learning the ollie takes time and dedication. Don't get discouraged by falls or failed attempts. Consistency in practice is key to improvement. It can take weeks or even months of consistent practice to land a solid ollie.
• Commitment: Once you get the motion down, commit to the jump and the slide. Hesitation will often lead to the board not coming up with you.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Not Popping Hard Enough: If the board isn't getting enough height, you likely need to pop the tail with more force.
• Not Sliding the Front Foot: If the board stays at an angle or doesn't level out, ensure you're sliding your front foot all the way up the board and off the nose.
• Jumping Off the Board: Make sure your jump is coordinated with the board's movement. Try to keep your weight centered over the board.
• Fear of Landing: Overcoming the fear of landing is a significant hurdle. Start with small ollies and gradually increase the height as your confidence grows.

The ollie is a rewarding trick to learn, and with consistent practice and a methodical approach, you'll be airborne in no time. It's a skill that builds confidence and opens up a whole new world of skateboarding possibilities.