How To Do An Ollie On Skateboard

So, there I was, a couple of years back, standing in the park, watching my buddy, Jake, effortlessly glide across the ground, popping his skateboard up into the air, and landing it like it was the most natural thing in the world. I was amazed, to say the least. "How the heck did he do that?" I thought. That, my friends, was my first encounter with the ollie, the building block of all skateboard tricks.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "That sounds way too complicated for me." Well, let me stop you right there. It might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, with a bit of practice and patience, you'll be pulling off ollies like a pro. So, grab your board, let's dive in, and learn how to do an ollie together.

Understanding the Ollie

Before we get started, let's talk a bit about what an ollie actually is. In simple terms, an ollie is a trick where you make your skateboard pop up into the air while you're still standing on it. It's like giving your board a little boost, allowing you to perform all sorts of tricks and maneuvers. It might sound crazy, but once you get the hang of it, it's as natural as walking.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why would I want to learn this?" Well, aside from looking super cool, mastering the ollie opens up a whole new world of skateboarding. It's the foundation for almost every other trick out there, from kickflips to 360s, and even grinding rails. So, buckle up, because we're about to take your skateboarding skills to the next level.

Getting Started: The Pop

Alright, let's start with the most important part of the ollie - the pop. This is where you use your front foot to make your board jump up into the air. Here's how you do it:

1. Start by standing on your board in your usual stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your front foot near the middle of the board.
2. Bend your knees slightly, then quickly snap your front foot down onto the tail of the board. This is where you'll generate the power for the pop. Think of it like you're trying to flick the tail of the board into the ground.
3. As you pop the board, your back foot should slide forward slightly, helping to level out the board and keep it stable.

Remember, the pop is all about speed and snap. It's not about how hard you can stomp on the tail, but rather how quickly and precisely you can flick it. Practice makes perfect here, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work on your first try.

Catching the Board: The Float

Now that you've popped the board, it's time to catch it. This is where things can get a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. As your board pops up into the air, you want to level it out and keep it stable. This is called the float.

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Here's how to do it:

1. As the board pops up, your front foot should slide back towards the middle of the board, while your back foot slides forward slightly. This helps to level out the board and keep it stable.
2. Your knees should be bent, and your body should be leaned back slightly. This helps to keep your center of gravity over the board and makes it easier to control.
3. As the board reaches its peak height, you want to start to level it out and prepare for the landing.

Remember, the float is all about balance and control. It might feel a bit weird at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Just keep your body loose and your eyes on the board.

Landing: The Sweet Spot

Alright, you've popped the board and caught it in the float. Now it's time to bring it back down to earth. Landing an ollie is all about finding the sweet spot - that perfect moment where the board touches down and you can ride away clean.

Here's how to do it:

Skateboard Tricks Ollie

1. As the board starts to come back down, your body should lean forward slightly, helping to keep your weight over the board and maintain control.
2. Your feet should be ready to absorb the impact of the landing. Bend your knees and keep your body loose to help with this.
3. As the board touches down, you want to roll away as smoothly as possible. This is where you'll really feel like you've nailed the ollie.

Remember, landing is all about timing and balance. It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, it's an amazing feeling.

Practice Makes Perfect

So, there you have it. The Ollie, explained in all its glory. Now, I know what you're thinking. "That sounds like a lot of work." Well, you're not wrong. But remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll get.

Start by just trying to pop the board and catch it in the air. Once you get the hang of that, start trying to land it. It might take a while, but I promise, it's worth it. And hey, if you ever feel like giving up, just remember Jake, cruising through the park like it's nobody's business. That could be you, my friend.

So, grab your board, get out there, and start practicing. And remember, if you ever feel like you're not getting it, just take a deep breath, and try again. You've got this. Now go out there and show that board who's boss.