Search
Close this search box.

How to ollie on a skateboard?

If you’re reading this, you probably wonder how to ollie on a skateboard.

Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll break down the basics of performing an ollie so you can get out there and show off your skills quickly.

Trust us – with some practice, anyone can learn to ollie like a pro!

So let’s get started…

What is ollie on a skateboard?

The ollie is the ultimate skateboarding trick, letting you and your board soar without using your hands.

With this essential skill, you can quickly jump onto, over, or off anything – no hands needed.

Mastering it takes effort and practice, but in no time, you’ll be soaring like a pro!

Since I was a small kid, I have dreamed of flying- and learning how to ollie on a skateboard was the closest I could get to achieving that dream.

How to ollie on a skateboard

How did it all start? The origin of the ollie:

Skateboarding wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of two legendary names – Allan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand, the inventor of the ollie, and Rodney Mullen.

In 1976, Gelfand figured out a way to jump on his board while airborne – an incredible feat that was only taken to new heights by Mullen, who named it the Ollie in Gelfand’s honor. Today, it’s a fundamental skill for any aspiring skateboarder – thanks to these two legends’ hard work and dedication!

Why is the skateboard trick called ollie?

The trick was named after its legendary inventor, Allan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand. As the story goes, Gelfand was a devoted skateboarder who had no idea how to jump on his board while airborne – until one day; he figured out a way to make it happen.

Although he stopped skating in 1981 because of a knee injury, his legacy lives on in the form of the ollie. This trick has revolutionized skateboarding and inspired generations of riders.

And the rest is history – to this day, the ollie is a fundamental trick among skateboarders, and its namesake has been immortalized.

How to ollie on a skateboard: Step-by-step guide

Now that you know the history of the ollie, let’s learn how to do it!

You’ll need to know essential skills like pushing off, kick-turning, and stopping.

Get comfortable with these basics before attempting the ollie.

Now, here’s the step-by-step guide to mastering the ollie:

Step one: Put your feet in the correct position

Before attempting an ollie, ensure your feet are in the right place!

Put your back foot in the middle of the tail and your front foot just after the middle of the board but before the front truck bolts.

With this positioning, you’ll get enough momentum to take you and your board into the air!

Step two: Apply pressure to the back of your board

Make sure your feet are lined up correctly, then quickly shift your weight, so you get enough momentum for a successful Ollie.

Don’t dawdle – do it fast, as this will give you the momentum needed for a successful ollie!

Step three: Get ready to jump

Ready to hop? Wait until the back of your board hits the ground, then leap up as quickly and powerfully as possible – don’t miss your chance!

Step four: Jump – now!

Time to jump! Push your back foot down hard on the tail of your board, allowing the front of the board to lift diagonally.

As it rises, slide your front foot up to the nose – crucial for your eventual landing stance.

Step Five: Get ready for a smooth landing

As you reach the peak of your jump, ensure your back foot is on the truck bolts at the back of the board, and your front foot rests on the bolts at the front.

Keeping your weight balanced in these positions is critical; it will help keep you steady when you land and stop you from snapping that sweet ride!

Step Six: Get ready to go back to the ground

Let gravity work as your board makes contact, and gently lower yourself into a crouched position.

By doing this, you’re lessening the impact on your joints and ensuring your board stays firmly under you; no wipeouts here!

Step Seven: that’s it, you’ve done it!

You did it – congratulations on mastering the ollie!

Now that you know the basics, you can refine your technique and take your skateboarding skills to a new level.

All you have to do now is practice, practice, practice – and soon, you’ll be an Ollie pro!

What are some tips for a successful Ollie?

Nailing an ollie can be tricky, but you’ll have it down quickly with the proper technique and practice.

Here are some top tips for a successful ollie:

  1. Get the timing of your movements right – that’s critical to getting enough air for your ollie.
  2. Make sure your feet are positioned correctly – get them in line with each other and find the center of the tail of your skateboard.
  3. Push off from the ground with both feet simultaneously, pressing down on the tail to get as much lift as possible.
  4. Keep practicing; soon, you’ll show off those moves!
  5. Start slowly – you have no reason to rush – remember you are not in a competition, and every skill takes time to master.
  6. Keeping your shoulders straight and your body balanced will help you stay steady in the air and make a smooth landing.

Now you know all about the ollie, so go out there and show off those moves!

Frequently asked questions about ollie on a skateboard

I collected some of the most frequently asked questions about the ollie so you can find all your answers in one place:

How do you ollie for beginners?

The key is to practice, practice, practice.

Start by mastering basic skateboarding skills like pushing off and kick-turning before attempting an ollie.

Once you’ve completed the basics, you can start practicing the ollie step-by-step guide provided above!

What should I learn before an ollie?

Before attempting an ollie, know basic skateboarding skills like pushing off and kick-turning.

These will help you build the momentum necessary for a successful ollie.

Is ollie difficult to learn?

It depends on the individual. Some skaters pick up the ollie quickly, while others take more time and practice.

But once you’ve got the basics down, it will become easier to master over time – and soon, you’ll be an Ollie pro.

So don’t give up – it can be hard when you are just starting, but if you keep practicing, you’ll eventually get the hang of it!

How do you do a basic ollie on a skateboard?

First, put your back foot in the middle of the tail and your front foot just after the middle of the board but before the front truck bolts.

Then quickly shift your weight to get enough momentum for a successful ollie.

When you feel ready, push your back foot down hard on the tail of your board and slide your front foot up to the nose.

With practice, you’ll be able to get higher and land smoother – so keep practicing!

Is an ollie a beginner trick?

Yes, the ollie is a great trick for beginners to learn.

It’s fundamental to skateboarding and will teach you essential skills like weight distribution and balance that can be applied to other tricks.

So don’t be afraid – if you start practicing now, you’ll soon become an ollie master!

Why can’t I do an ollie?

The most likely reason is that you have not yet mastered the basics of skateboarding.

Ensure you are comfortable pushing off, kick-turning, and balancing on your board before attempting an ollie.

Secondly, ensure you are doing it right – maybe you are making mistakes preventing you from ollieing.

Finally, practice makes perfect – so don’t give up and keep trying! You’ll get there in no time.

What are common ollie mistakes?

Ollies can be tricky to master, but there are some common mistakes that beginners make.

One mistake is not getting enough height off the ground, but don’t panic – it’s an easy fix: Jump higher or pop the tail of your board!

Ensure your front foot catches the board correctly, and prepare to soar!

Another mistake is leaning back too much when you’re in the air – this can affect your balance and cause you to fall off.

Remain balanced, keep your feet firmly on the bolts of the board, and practice until you have mastered it. Good luck!

With just a bit of practice, you’ll be jumping higher than ever in no time.

How long did it take you to learn to ollie?

Are you feeling frustrated with your ollie? I feel you! Believe me; I felt the same.

On average, a beginner takes about one to two months of consistent practice to start landing an ollie.

It’s no secret that mastering the art of ollies takes practice, patience, and perseverance.

But don’t give up – keep pushing yourself, and soon you’ll be proud of your progress.

After all, it took one person a month to land their first legit ollie while another got theirs down in just two weeks.

So stick with it, hone your skills, and soon you’ll show off that ollie to your friends!

In conclusion

Learning the ollie takes time, dedication, and practice.

But don’t let that discourage you – with the right attitude, anything is possible.

Once you’ve completed the basics, you can start practicing the ollie step-by-step guide provided above!

Now go out there and hit those streets – your journey to ollie mastery starts today!

Let me know in the comments below how long it takes you to land your first ollie and if you have any tips for beginners reading this guide.

Don’t forget to visit my other blog posts for more useful skateboarding tips and guides.

Good luck, skater. You got this! 🤙🏼🛹

Matt
Matt

I still remember my first skateboard. It was a "hand-me-down" from my cousin, and I loved it. I would cruise up and down the street in front of my house, trying to do tricks that I saw on TV.

These days, I'm all about helping others find their perfect skateboard. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, I'll help you find the right board for your needs.

Feel free to share the article:
About Me

Hi, I’m Matt and I’m here to help you find the best skateboard online. Not only that, but I’ll also provide you with many tips and informative guides to help make your experience as smooth as possible.

I’ve been skating for years now and know all the ins and outs of this great sport. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, be sure to stick around – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Get Social:
Latest Articles:
Table of Contents

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *