If you’re an avid skateboarder looking to take your ollie to new heights, look no further! In this article, we will explore effective techniques to help you improve your skateboard ollie height. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, these tips and tricks are designed to elevate your ollie game and have you flying high in no time. So grab your board, lace up your shoes, and get ready to boost those ollies to new levels of vertical thrill!
Foot Placement
Positioning your back foot
When it comes to foot placement for performing a skateboard ollie, the position of your back foot plays a crucial role. You want to position your back foot just above the tail of your skateboard, with the ball of your foot resting on or slightly below the edge of the tail. This positioning allows you to generate the necessary power and leverage to execute a successful pop and jump.
Positioning your front foot
Equally important is the positioning of your front foot. Place your front foot near the middle of the skateboard, with the toes angled diagonally across the width of the board. This diagonal positioning enables you to slide your front foot smoothly and efficiently during the ollie motion.
Body Position
Bend your knees
Maintaining proper body position is essential for achieving optimal ollie height. Bend your knees to a comfortable and relaxed angle, allowing for both stability and flexibility. This bent knee position provides a solid base for generating power and absorbing impact during the ollie.
Keep your shoulders straight
To maintain stability and control throughout the ollie, it’s crucial to keep your shoulders straight. Aligning your shoulders with the skateboard helps in maintaining your balance and ensuring a smoother execution of the trick.
Maintain balance and stability
Achieving balance and stability is vital for performing a successful ollie. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed between both feet, and keep your body centered over the skateboard. This equilibrium allows for better control over the board and facilitates a higher ollie.
Ollie Technique
Pop the tail
The first step of a proper ollie technique is to pop the tail of your skateboard. Use your back foot to forcefully and swiftly press down on the tail, generating a snapping motion against the ground. This action creates the upward force needed to initiate the ollie.
Slide your front foot
As soon as you pop the tail, slide your front foot forward towards the nose of the board. The front foot’s sliding motion should be quick and smooth, allowing it to level out the skateboard and prepare for the jump.
Jump and scoop
Simultaneously with the sliding motion of your front foot, jump upwards using both feet. As you jump, use the scoop motion of your back foot to level out the board and help propel it into the air. The combination of the jump and scoop is what gives the ollie its height.
Board Setup
Choose the right skateboard
Having the appropriate skateboard setup is vital for improving your ollie height. Opt for a skateboard that suits your skill level and body size. A skateboard with a medium-sized deck and moderate concave is usually suitable for beginners. Experiment with different setups to find the one that feels comfortable for you.
Check your board’s condition
Regularly inspect your skateboard to ensure it’s in good condition. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or worn-out grip tape, and replace any faulty components. A well-maintained board with proper grip and stability will contribute to your ollie height.
Properly tighten your trucks
Properly tightened trucks provide stability and control while performing an ollie. Adjust the tightness of your skateboard trucks according to your preference. Looser trucks allow for more maneuverability, while tighter trucks offer more stability. Find the balance that works best for you.
Training Exercises
Practice ollies on a curb
A great training exercise to improve your ollie height is practicing on a curb. Find a suitable curb with enough space to maneuver your skateboard. Start by trying to ollie onto the curb, focusing on generating more height with each attempt. This exercise helps you hone your technique and build confidence in executing higher ollies.
Work on leg strength and stability
Building leg strength and stability is crucial for achieving higher ollies. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises into your routine to strengthen the muscles involved in the ollie motion. Additionally, practice balancing exercises and agility drills to improve your overall stability on the skateboard.
Jumping exercises
To enhance your jumping ability and boost your ollie height, incorporate jumping exercises into your training regimen. Exercises like vertical jumps, box jumps, and broad jumps can help increase your lower body explosiveness and vertical leap, thereby improving your ollie technique.
Mental Focus
Visualize the ollie
Visualization is a powerful psychological tool that can significantly enhance your ollie performance. Before attempting an ollie, take a moment to visualize yourself executing the trick with precision and achieving great height. Picture each step in your mind, focusing on proper technique and a successful outcome. Visualizing success can help boost your confidence and improve your overall performance.
Stay determined and persistent
The road to improving your ollie height is not always easy, but staying determined and persistent is key. Recognize that progress takes time and that you may experience setbacks along the way. Stay positive, celebrate small victories, and understand that consistent effort and dedication will eventually lead to improvement.
Video Analysis
Record and review your ollies
Recording your ollie attempts and reviewing them on video can provide valuable insights into your technique. Set up your phone or camera in a suitable position to capture your ollies from different angles. Reviewing the footage allows you to analyze your form, timing, and areas for improvement with a critical eye.
Analyze technique and areas for improvement
While reviewing your ollie videos, pay attention to specific aspects of your technique that may need improvement. Are you consistently popping the tail forcefully? Is your front foot sliding smoothly and staying level? Take note of any areas where adjustments could be made to enhance your ollie height. Consider seeking guidance from experienced skateboarders or coaches to help you identify and address these areas.
Seeking Guidance
Ask experienced skateboarders for advice
One of the best ways to improve your ollie height is by seeking guidance from experienced skateboarders. Reach out to local skateboarders or join skateboarding communities to connect with knowledgeable individuals who can provide valuable tips and advice. Learning from those who have mastered the ollie can significantly accelerate your progress.
Consider taking lessons
If you’re serious about improving your ollie height, consider taking skateboarding lessons. Professional instructors can guide you through proper technique, offer personalized feedback, and help you overcome any specific challenges you may encounter. Lessons provide structure, accountability, and expert guidance, making them a worthwhile investment in your skateboarding journey.
Safety Precautions
Wear proper protective gear
Skateboarding can be physically demanding and carries inherent risks. To ensure your safety while practicing ollies, always wear proper protective gear. This includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Padded clothing can also provide additional protection. Prioritizing safety allows you to focus on improving your ollie height without unnecessary concerns.
Start on flat surfaces before attempting higher obstacles
Before attempting to ollie over obstacles or onto ramps, it’s important to first master ollies on flat surfaces. Starting on flat ground allows you to focus solely on perfecting your technique and increasing your ollie height. Once you feel confident and comfortable, gradually progress to more challenging obstacles and terrain.
Consistency and Patience
Practice regularly
Improving your ollie height requires consistent practice. Set aside dedicated time each week to work on your ollies and stick to a regular training routine. Consistency is crucial for strengthening the required muscles, refining your technique, and gradually increasing your ollie height. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll see improvement.
Be patient with progress
Progressing in skateboarding takes time and patience. It’s important to acknowledge that increasing your ollie height is a gradual process that requires continuous effort and perseverance. Celebrate small achievements along the way and embrace the journey of improvement. With patience and determination, you will steadily enhance your ollie technique and reach higher heights on your skateboard.