Chapter 9: How to Ollie

Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 9 of 18

The ollie is the most important trick in skateboarding. It is how you jump onto curbs, over cracks and into almost every other trick. It takes patience, but everyone who skates learned it the same way: one step at a time.

Gear Check

Board with decent grip, flat skate shoes, smooth ground. Practice on grass or carpet first.

Step by Step

1. Set your feet. Back foot ball on the tail, front foot in the middle of the board, just behind the front bolts.
2. Crouch. Bend your knees deeply, like you are about to jump.
3. Pop. Snap the tail down hard with your back foot so it hits the ground.
4. Slide. As the board pops up, drag the side of your front shoe up toward the nose. This lifts the front and levels the board.
5. Jump and suck up. Jump up and pull your knees toward your chest so the board can rise with you.
6. Land. Land with both feet over the bolts, knees bent to absorb the impact.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Board does not leave the ground. Snap the tail harder and jump.
• Board goes up vertically. Slide your front foot forward more.
• Landing with feet off the bolts. Keep your feet over the board and look down at it in the air.
• Leaning back. Keep your shoulders over the board.

Your Practice Plan

1. Week 1: Ollie standing still on grass or carpet.
2. Week 2: Ollie standing still on pavement.
3. Week 3: Ollie rolling slowly.
4. Week 4: Ollie over a crack or line, then a small stick.