Learning how to ollie is a fundamental skill in skateboarding that allows you to jump onto obstacles or over gaps. For beginners, the key steps involve popping the tail, dragging your front foot up the board, lifting both feet, and maintaining control with bent knees.
Essential Steps for Your First Ollie
Mastering the ollie requires practice, but the core movements can be broken down into simple actions. Based on foundational skateboarding techniques:
- The Pop: Use your back foot to pop the tail of the skateboard firmly against the ground. This action initiates the lift of the board.
- The Drag: Immediately after the pop, slide or drag your front foot up the board towards the nose. This levels the board out in the air.
- The Lift: Simultaneously lift your back foot and your front foot as the board rises. This is crucial for getting the board into the air with you.
- The Jump: Combining the pop, drag, and foot lift creates the jump. It's less about jumping away from the board and more about bringing the board up with you.
- Control & Landing: While in the air, focus on maintaining control. Avoid "lack of movements" – which suggests staying fluid and engaged. Keep your knees bent during the jump and prepare to absorb the impact upon landing by keeping your knees bent.
Think of it as a sequence: pop, drag, lift both feet, stay loose (avoid "lack of movements"), and land softly by bending your knees.
Key Points for Beginners
- Practice the Pop: Get comfortable with just popping the tail while stationary before adding the drag.
- Practice the Drag: Practice sliding your front foot up the board while holding onto something stable.
- Combine Slowly: Try putting the actions together slowly at first, focusing on the timing between the pop and the drag.
- Keep Knees Bent: This is vital throughout the entire process, from the initial stance to landing, for balance and shock absorption.
- Stay Relaxed: Avoid stiff or "lack of movements." A fluid motion will help you control the board in the air.
Here's a simple breakdown of the actions based on the reference:
| Action | Description | Why it's important |
|---|---|---|
| Pop | Strike the tail on the ground | Lifts the board initially |
| Drag Up | Slide front foot up the board | Levels the board in the air |
| Lift Feet | Bring both feet up with the board | Allows you and the board to jump |
| Keep Knees Bent | Stay low and absorb impact | Maintains balance and cushions landing |
| Avoid Lack of Movements | Stay fluid and engaged | Helps control the board during the jump |
Remember, consistency and repetition are key. Start on a soft surface like grass to get the feeling of the pop and drag before moving to concrete.
