Chloe Zhang
The ollie is a fundamental skateboarding skill and trick, often considered the first trick beginner skateboarders should learn. It was pioneered by Alan Ollie Gelfand in 1976, who figured out a way to do airs on a skateboard without holding the board with his hands while airborne. Gelfand's trick was then taken to a new level by Rodney Mullen, who adapted it to flat ground and named it the ollie in Gelfand's honour. To perform an ollie, the skateboarder must master the positioning of their feet, the application of weight, and the timing of the jump. This guide will teach you how to ollie on a plastic skateboard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foot placement | The back foot should be placed at the back/tail of the skateboard, with the ball of the foot on the tail. The front foot should be placed in the middle of the board, just after the middle but before the front truck bolts. |
| Shoulder position | Shoulders should be straight and parallel to the board, lining up with the front and back ends of the skateboard. |
| Jumping | Bend your knees and jump, pushing down on the tail of the board with your back foot to generate force and friction. |
| Front foot movement | Slide your front foot towards the top end of the board as you jump. |
| Practice | Start practicing on a soft surface like grass or carpet to make the learning process easier. |
| Variations | Switch Ollie, Fakie Ollie, Nollie, 180º ollie technique, Alley-oop |
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Foot placement
Your front foot should be placed just after the middle of the board but before the front truck bolts, acting as your centre of balance as you ride. Keep your front foot parallel to the tip of the board and slightly closer to the front bolts, with your toes near the edge so that your heel isn't hanging off the board. The positioning of your front foot will also affect the height of your jump. If it's further back, you'll jump higher but it will be more difficult. If you put it further forward, you should be able to do a small jump more easily.
As you jump, slide your front foot towards the top end of the board and kick down with your back foot to lift the front of the board up. The more force you use to push on the rear end of the skateboard, and the more friction generated by the foot sliding along the board, the higher you will jump.
It's important to note that there is no single correct way to place your feet, so find what works best for you. You can try standing on your skateboard with different feet forward to see what feels more natural.
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Crouching and jumping
To perform an ollie, you must first master the crouching and jumping technique. Start by placing your feet in the correct position. Your back foot should rest in the middle of the tail, and your front foot should be placed just after the middle of the board but before the front truck bolts. This stance will help you gain the momentum needed to get you and your board airborne.
Next, bend your knees and crouch down, keeping your shoulders in line with the board. This crouching position is essential as it allows you to generate the force needed for the jump. As you crouch, shift your weight to your back foot and press down on the tail of the board quickly. This action will create the leverage needed to lift the front of the board.
As you feel the back of the board touch the ground, it's time to jump. Use your back foot to kick the tail of the board downward, which will cause the front of the board to rise. Simultaneously, lift your front foot towards the nose of the board, jumping with the board. The timing of this downward kick is crucial to performing a successful ollie.
It is important to note that the positioning of your front foot will influence the height of your jump. Placing it further back will result in a higher jump but will be more challenging to execute. Conversely, positioning it further forward will facilitate a smaller jump that is easier to control.
Practising this technique on a soft surface, like grass, is recommended for beginners. Start by performing stationary ollies to build your confidence and get a feel for the movement. Once you have mastered the basics, you can increase your speed and attempt ollies over obstacles.
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Pushing off
Kick-turning is a technique that allows you to change direction while skateboarding. To perform a kick-turn, position your feet towards the back of the board, then press down and manoeuvre your feet to redirect the front of the board. After you've changed direction, resume your usual stance.
Practising how to stop is just as important as learning how to push off. Knowing how to stop can be the difference between crashing into something or someone and staying safe.
If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to start practising your ollies on a soft surface like grass or carpet. This will make the learning process easier and reduce the risk of slipping.
The ollie is considered a fundamental skill in skateboarding and is often the first trick that new skateboarders learn. It involves jumping and using the "see-saw" motion to strike the tail of the board on the ground, lifting the nose of the board into the air. The more energetically you push on the rear end of the skateboard, and the more friction generated by your foot sliding along the board, the higher you will go.
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Landing
Foot Placement and Body Alignment
As you prepare to land, ensure your feet are in the correct position on the skateboard. Your back foot should be placed at the very back of the tail, providing leverage to lift the front of the board. The ball of your back foot should be in contact with the tail, allowing for a more powerful kick. Your front foot should be positioned near the middle of the board, acting as your centre of balance. Keep your toes near the edge, ensuring your heel doesn't hang off the board. This foot placement will give you the necessary momentum and control during the ollie.
Shoulder Alignment
In addition to foot placement, maintaining proper shoulder alignment is crucial for a smooth landing. Keep your shoulders straight and parallel to the skateboard. Avoid pointing your shoulders in the direction of your landing, as it can cause an unbalanced landing. Aligning your shoulders with the board helps you stay centred and makes it easier to land straight.
When landing, aim for a swift and fluid motion. As you jump, simultaneously push down on the tail of the board with the ball of your back foot. This action will create the "`pop`" that lifts the board off the ground. As the board nose rises, use your front foot to level the board in mid-air, ensuring it remains completely off the ground before you land. Think of it as a two-part motion: "pop" and "slide." Practice this technique slowly at first, paying attention to the feeling of your foot pressing down and scraping the ground.
Practice and Confidence
Start practising ollies on a soft surface like grass or carpet to minimise slipping and make learning easier. Once you get the basics down, gradually increase your speed and try ollieing over small obstacles. Confidence is key—believe in your ability to execute the ollie, and don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first few times. Keep practising, and you'll soon master the landing and perform smooth ollies.
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Practising on grass
To begin, stand in the proper position by setting your front foot in the middle of your skateboard, just behind the front trucks, and your back foot on the tail. Keep your shoulders straight and parallel to the board to ensure a smooth landing.
Next, bend your knees and crouch down as if you are preparing to jump. With your back foot still resting in the middle of the tail, apply your weight to your back foot quickly. This will help you gain momentum. As you jump, push down on the tail of your board with the ball of your back foot, causing the front of the board to rise.
Once you feel the back of your board touch the ground, immediately start your jump and slide your front foot towards the top end of the board. The timing of this downwards kick is crucial when performing an ollie. The more energetically you push on the rear end of the skateboard, the higher you will jump.
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Frequently asked questions
The position of your feet is very important when attempting an ollie. Your back foot should rest in the middle of the tail, and your front foot should be placed just after the middle of the board but before the front truck bolts. This will help you get the momentum you need to get airborne.
It is important to keep your shoulders straight and parallel to the board. If your shoulders are pointed in the direction of your landing, you may fall off your board.
To get the skateboard off the ground, you need to push down on the tail of the board with your back foot. The friction between the shoe and the board's grip tape helps to guide and pull the board upward.
It is recommended to start practicing ollies on a soft surface like grass or carpet to make the learning process easier. You can also practice stationary ollies to build up your confidence.
