The Ollie is probably the first skateboard trick that every aspiring skateboarder learns. Based on the questions that I get, how to ollie on a skateboard happens to be the most frequently asked question by skateboarders once they have mastered riding the skateboard.
My advice is, don’t rush into doing this trick if you are still new to skateboarding. Just like you have to learn to walk first before running, you have to learn to roll and balance on your skateboard first before attempting an ollie. Let me throw you some tips on How to Ollie on a Skateboard.
An ollie can be done while rolling or stationary at one place. It’s the same trick but perhaps better to start with placing your skateboard on a carpet or grass and practice stationary ollie first before ollying while moving. After a day or two of practising a stationary ollie, move on to moving ollie. I bet a moving ollie looks cooler!
An ollie position requires you to place your back foot at the tail of your skateboard and your front foot in between the front and middle part of the skateboard. Make sure your front foot is not too much at the front or too close to your back foot. For a higher ollie, you need to bend your knees as low as possible. The lower you bend your knees, the higher you can jump!
Hit your back foot (at the tail of the skateboard) as hard as you could and the next second jump off the board with your back foot. It’s a very quick move, hit the tail of your skateboard with your back foot and then pull-off your back foot into the air, jump!
What about your front foot? Imagine this, when you hit the tail of your skateboard, the skateboard will be lifted up as well. So use your front foot to guide the skateboard in the air, using your shoe and the skateboard’s grip to drag the skateboard together with you to the direction that you want. Turn your front foot slightly inward to control the skateboard from flying off your grip. Then just land gracefully while bending your knees to avoid any knee injuries.
This is as simple as it can get guys!
Let me give you some important pointers on How to Ollie on a Skateboard;
1. Make sure you bend your knees as low as possible to be ready to jump.
2. Jump high! Folks, I can’t emphasize this more, you need to jump high to do a perfect ollie. Try to hit your knees on the chest. But if this is the first time you are trying to ollie, and you are not sure on your landing, I would not recommend jumping high.
3. Keep your body straight – your shoulder aligned with your upper body. Don’t bend forward or backward.
4. At the peak of your jump, level your feet on the board.
5. Don’t forget to bend your knees when you land on the ground to cushion the shock and protect your knees.
6. Relax and enjoy the ollying! Don’t focus too much on competing with your buddies.