Learning how to ollie on a skateboard is not only one of the foundational tricks but also a rite of passage for many skaters.
Whether you’re just stepping on a board for the first time or trying to refine your technique, grasping the basic principles of the ollie can open the door to countless other tricks and styles.
As someone who struggled initially, I remember how exhilarating it felt to get those wheels off the ground finally.
So grab your favourite skateboard and let’s dive into the ollie skateboarding world!
Understanding the Basics of Ollie
Now that you’re excited to learn how to ollie on a skateboard, it’s crucial to get the basics right. The first steps involve precise foot placement and body positioning. The right setup can make all the difference when you pop the board into the air.
Foot Placement
Your feet are your greatest allies when performing a successful ollie. Start by positioning your feet like this:
- Back Foot: Place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard. Aim for the edge (or the ‘tail’) as you will be applying pressure here.
- Front Foot: Your front foot should be placed about a foot away from the bolts, angled slightly toward the nose of the board.
I remember the countless trials where my foot placement was off. It wasn’t until I got this right that I started seeing results.
Body Position
Next, let’s talk about your body position. You want to maintain a comfortable and balanced stance:
- Knees Slightly Bent: Keep your knees relaxed and slightly bent. This helps absorb the impact and maintain control.
- Upper Body: Lean slightly forward over the front foot, preparing to engage your motion.
- Eyes on the Board: Where you look matters! Keep your eyes fixed on the board to maintain balance and awareness.
Finding that sweet spot in your body positioning might take some practice, just like it did for me. But once you get it down, you’ll feel more in tune with your board!
Engaging the Slide For Ollie On A Skateboard
Now that you’ve mastered the pop, let’s move on to another vital element of the ollie: engaging the slide. This is where the magic happens as you bring the board up and prepare for landing. It’s about dragging your front foot and leveling out the board, so let’s dive in!
Dragging Your Front Foot
When you jump, it’s essential to drag your front foot up along the skateboard’s grip tape. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin at the Bottom: Start dragging from the bottom (near your back foot) and move upwards towards the nose of the board.
- Apply Pressure: As you drag, push down slightly with your foot. This helps lift the nose even higher.
I vividly remember the first time I dragged my foot properly; it felt like I was a magician levitating my board! It took a few tries, but eventually, it started to feel natural.
Leveling Out the Board
As you continue the slide, the next step is leveling out your board mid-air:
- Shift Your Weight: As your front foot reaches the nose, shift your body weight slightly back. This helps in stopping the board from dipping.
- Keep It Balanced: Maintain a flat, balanced position so you can prepare for a clean landing.
Perfecting the leveling out took me some time, but once achieved, it made all the difference in my ollies. It felt incredible to have the board stay flat as I soared through the air! Keep practicing this part, and soon you’ll be floating effortlessly.
Committing to the Landing
So, you’ve nailed the pop and engaged the slide—now it’s time for the final act: committing to the landing! This part is crucial for completing your ollie successfully and riding away with style. Let’s break it down into two key aspects: absorbing the impact and riding away cleanly.
Absorbing the Impact
When you land, your goal is to minimize the jarring sensation. Here’s how to absorb that impact:
- Bend Your Knees: As you come down, keep your knees slightly bent. This will act like mini shock absorbers, helping you stay grounded.
- Stay Balanced: Keep your weight centered over your board to maintain stability.
I remember my early days when landing felt like a free fall! Learning to bend my knees completely changed the game; it made landing feel much smoother.
Riding Away Cleanly
Once you’ve absorbed the impact, the next step is riding away like a pro:
- Get Your Foot Back: Shift your weight back to your front foot as you roll away.
- Keep Rolling: Allow the momentum to carry you forward—don’t slow down or hesitate!
Nothing felt more rewarding than successfully landing my first ollie and cruising away effortlessly. Each practice session solidified my confidence, so keep at it! Before you know it, you’ll be landing your ollies with ease and style, ready to take on more tricks on your skateboard!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About How to Ollie on a Skateboard
- How long does it take to learn an ollie?
It varies, but with consistent practice, most beginners can learn an ollie within a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Do I need special shoes to learn how to ollie?
Skate shoes with good grip and durability are recommended, as they help you control the board better while performing tricks.
- How high should I aim to ollie at first?
Start by aiming for small, controlled ollies. As you gain confidence, you can work on increasing height.
Ending Thoughts
I hope you understood, How To Ollie On A Skateboard. Mastering the ollie is a game-changer for any skateboarder.
It opens the door to countless other tricks and enhances your overall control of the board.
With consistent practice, attention to form, and patience, you’ll soon be popping ollies with ease.
And always remember, safety first when performing an ollie—wear proper gear and skate smart. Every skater starts somewhere—keep pushing and enjoy the process!
