How to Ollie When Skateboarding

Knowing how to Ollie is a necessity for any reputable skateboarder. The Ollie is the starting point for so many skateboard tricks that learning it early is a good idea. It’s not a complicated skateboard trick, as long as you practice. Wear skateboard shoes, if possible. They’re designed to provide you with the traction needed to perform tricks.

Start out skateboarding at a reasonable speed. If you are going too slowly when you attempt an Ollie, you won’t get off the ground (and that’s kind of the whole point). If you’re moving too fast, you could lose control and end up hurt. Once you’re moving at a moderate pace, put your front foot about an inch behind the front bolts on your deck. If you’re a regular rider this will be your left foot. For goofy footers, this is your left foot. Your back foot should be on the tail of your skateboard.

Now you’ll bend your knees. The more you bend, the higher you’ll go. Slam your back foot down hard on the tail. Your front foot should be used to pull the skateboard up. This will give you the sensation of jumping. Pull your knees to your chest and at the same time use your rear foot to pull your skateboard up with your body. When you land, make sure you’re bending your knees to absorb impact – otherwise you could really hurt your knees.
As with anything else skateboard related, the key to being able to successfully pull off an Ollie is committing yourself to it. Practice as much as you need to until you can do an Ollie without a problem. Don’t give up if it seems too daunting and certainly don’t give up if you take a spill (it’s unavoidably going to happen). Oh, and don’t forget to wear a helmet.