Have you ever watched skateboarders seamlessly pop their boards into the air and wondered how they make it look so effortless? If you’re curious about mastering one of skateboarding’s fundamental tricks, you’re in the right place. Learning how to do an ollie on a skateboard can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s the gateway to countless other tricks. Let’s break down the steps to help you learn and execute the perfect ollie.
What is an Ollie?
An ollie is a foundational skateboarding trick where the rider pops the board into the air without using their hands. It’s a combination of popping the tail of the skateboard off the ground, sliding the front foot forward, and leveling the board in mid-air.
Why Learn the Ollie?
Mastering the ollie can open doors to more complex tricks and maneuvers. It helps you develop board control, balance, and timing. Plus, it’s pivotal for street skateboarding and many other tricks build on the skills learned through the ollie.
Preparing to Ollie
Before attempting an ollie, ensure you have the proper gear and a safe environment to practice. Your skateboard setup, footwear, and choice of surface all play significant roles.
Gear You’ll Need
To effectively practice your ollie, you’ll need the following:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Skateboard | Ensure it’s in good condition, with appropriately tight trucks and good grip tape. |
| Skate Shoes | Use shoes designed for skateboarding; they provide the necessary grip and stability. |
| Safety Gear | Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are highly recommended for beginners. |
Choosing the Right Surface
Start practicing on a flat, smooth surface like a concrete driveway or a skatepark. Avoid rough or uneven ground initially to prevent unnecessary falls and injuries.
Basic Stance and Positioning
Your stance and positioning are crucial when learning how to ollie. You need to feel comfortable and balanced on your skateboard to execute the trick properly.
Foot Placement
Position your feet correctly to set yourself up for a successful ollie. Here’s how:
| Foot | Placement |
|---|---|
| Back Foot | Place the ball of your foot on the tail of the skateboard. |
| Front Foot | Position it near the middle of the board, angled slightly towards the nose. |
Posture and Balance
Keep your knees bent and your back straight. Bend at the knees, not the waist, to maintain balance. Your shoulders should be aligned with the skateboard, facing in the direction you intend to go.
Breaking Down the Ollie
Executing an ollie involves a sequence of movements. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.
The Pop
The first step in performing an ollie is the pop.
- Bend Your Knees: Crouch down to prepare for the jump.
- Snap the Tail: With a swift, downward motion of your back foot, snap the tail of the board against the ground, generating the lift.
The Slide
Next, you need to slide your front foot up the board to level it out.
- Simultaneous Motion: As the tail snaps down, begin to slide your front foot up towards the nose.
- Kick Your Front Foot: Slide it up and slightly forward, leveling the board out for maximum height.
The Jump
Your entire body needs to rise with the board.
- Jump Up: Leap upwards as your back foot pops the tail down. Your front foot will guide the board upward.
- Knees Up: Tuck your knees towards your chest to create more room for the board to rise.
The Landing
Finally, you need to land smoothly.
- Prepare for Impact: As you descend, extend your legs to prepare for landing.
- Absorb the Shock: Bend your knees slightly on impact to absorb the shock and maintain balance.
- Roll Away: Stay balanced and ride away smoothly.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Learning an ollie can be challenging, and you might encounter some common mistakes. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.
Incomplete Pop
If you’re not getting enough height, it might be due to an incomplete pop.
- Solution: Focus on snapping the tail down hard and fast. Commitment is crucial.
Uneven Board
If your board isn’t leveling out, you might not be sliding your front foot enough.
- Solution: Practice the sliding motion without popping to get comfortable with it.
Falling Off the Board
If you frequently fall off your board, you might be off-balance.
- Solution: Ensure your shoulders are aligned with the board and focus on maintaining balance throughout the trick.
Fear of Commitment
Sometimes, hesitation can prevent you from committing fully to the trick.
- Solution: Build confidence by practicing in safe, controlled environments and wearing safety gear.
Drills and Practice Techniques
Here are some drills and techniques to help you consistently improve your ollie.
Stationary Ollies
Start by practicing ollies in a stationary position. This helps you focus on each movement without worrying about moving forward.
Moving Ollies
Once comfortable with stationary ollies, practice while rolling at a slow speed. Gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.
Ollie over Obstacles
Set up small obstacles, like a piece of wood or a small object, to practice ollieing over. This helps you time your pop and slide better.
Tips for Mastery
Use these advanced tips to refine your ollie and take it to the next level.
Footwear and Board Maintenance
- Footwear: Make sure your skate shoes are in good condition and provide the necessary grip.
- Board Maintenance: Keep your grip tape clean and change your deck if it’s too worn out.
Practice Regimen
- Consistency: Practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
- Video Analysis: Record your attempts and analyze them. Identify areas for improvement.
- Peer Feedback: If you’re skating with friends, ask for feedback. They might notice something you’re missing.
Mental Preparation
- Visualization: Before attempting the trick, visualize each step in your mind.
- Positive Attitude: Stay positive and patient. Mastery takes time and persistence.
Taking Your Ollie to the Next Level
Once you’re comfortable with basic ollies, you can add variations to expand your repertoire.
Ollie Variations
Here are some exciting ollie variations you can try once you master the basic ollie:
| Trick | Description |
|---|---|
| Fakie Ollie | Perform an ollie while riding backwards (fakie). |
| Switch Ollie | Ollie using your non-dominant foot and stance. |
| Ollie 180 | Rotate 180 degrees during the ollie. |
| Nollie | Use your front foot to pop the board (nose ollie). |
| Ollie North | Kick your front foot off the board mid-air. |
Incorporating Ollies into Other Tricks
After mastering ollie variations, use them as building blocks for more complex tricks like kickflips, heelflips, and grind variations.
Conclusion
Learning how to do an ollie on a skateboard is a significant milestone in your skateboarding journey. It builds your confidence, enhances your skill set, and opens the door to a world of other tricks. Remember, practice and patience are key. With the right mindset, gear, and technique, you’ll be ollieing like a pro in no time. Happy skating!
Feel free to ask any further questions or share your progress. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your skateboarding adventure!