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How to Ollie on a Skateboard: 7 Common Mistakes
Last Updated: January 01, 2024
If you’re new to skateboarding, the ollie might seem like a daunting trick. You must be curious to learn how to ollie on a skateboard. Ollie is a basic yet essential move to master if you want to progress in skateboarding. But with a little practice, you’ll be nailing it in no time
![How to Ollie on a Skateboard - Content](images/assets/media/M119.webp)
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do an ollie on a skateboard:
What Is An Ollie?
An ollie is a skateboarding trick where the skater pops the board into the air without using their hands. It is considered one of the most fundamental tricks in skateboarding and is essential for progressing onto more difficult tricks. The ollie is one of a few tricks usually performed by jumping off the ground and popping the board into the air with your feet.
Why Should You Learn Ollie?
One of the most important things you need to do when learning how to skateboard uphill is find a good hill to practice on. You don’t want to find a hill that’s too steep, as this will make it difficult to get the speed and maintain your balance. You also don’t want a hill that’s a too flat surface, as this won’t give you the challenge you need to improve your skills. Look for a hill that has a moderate slope and is smooth so you can get a good ride.
How To Ollie On A Skateboard – 3 Basic Steps
In order to perform ollie without blunder make sure your body should be in an ideal position, i.e. shoulders straight, nose forward, skater’s feet should be foot flat.
Step-1: Position Of Your Back Foot
![Position of your back foot](images/assets/media/M122.webp)
The first step to performing an ollie on a skateboard is to ensure that your back foot is in the right position. You should place your back foot on the skateboard’s tail and slightly bend your knee. Your front foot placement should be near the middle of the deck with your toes pointing downwards.
Step-2: Bend Your Knees
![Bend Your Knees](images/assets/media/M120.webp)
The next step is to bend your knees. This will help you generate the power needed to pop the board into the air. Remember to keep your back foot on the tail of the skateboard in order to perform tail hits and your foot forward in the middle of the deck to control. You should also be leaning slightly forward with your weight over your front foot.
Step-3: Jump Off The Ground
![Jump Off The Ground](images/assets/media/M121.webp)
As the board begins to rise, quickly jump off the ground and use your front foot to guide the board upward. When done correctly, you should be able to perform an ollie on a skateboard without using your hands!
Now that you know how to do an ollie on a skateboard as a beginner skater, get out there and start practicing with this famous skateboard trick in the skate park! With a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be nailing this first trick in no time.
Advanced Techniques For Mastering The Ollie
There are many advanced techniques that can be used to master the ollie skateboard tricks.
Technique No. 1
One of the most popular advanced techniques is known as the nollie. The nollie is performed by popping the board into the air without using your hands and then landing straight on your front foot. This advanced technique requires a lot of practice and coordination to master.
Technique No. 2
Another advanced technique that can be used to perform the ollie is known as the fakie ollie. The fakie ollie is performed by popping the board into the air and then landing backward on your back foot. This advanced technique is often used by skateboarders who are trying to perform tricks that require them to be in the air for a long period of time.
Technique No. 3
The last advanced technique that can be used to master the ollie is known as the switch ollie. The switch ollie is performed by popping the board into the air and then switching your feet mid-air so that you land on the opposite foot that you took off with. This advanced technique is often used by skateboarders who are trying to perform tricks that require them to land on their feet in a different position than they took off with.
7 Tips For Avoiding Common Mistakes
Usually, beginner skaters skip steps to learn what to avoid before going for performing tricks like an ollie. Following is the list of common mistakes normally every skateboarder do while performing an ollie.
Tip-1: Not Using Their Feet To Generate Enough Power
One of the most common mistake that skateboarders make while performing the ollie is not using their feet to generate enough power. This often results in the board not going very high into the air and can cause you to fall off of the board.
Tip-2: Not Bending Your Knees Enough
Another mistake is knees bent not enough before jumping. This can also result in the board not going very high into the air.
Tip-3: Lean Too Far Forward Or Too Far Back
Another mistake is to lean too far forward or too far back while performing the ollie higher. This can cause you to lose your balance and fall off of the board. You should always try to keep your weight evenly distributed over both feet while performing the ollie.
Tip-4: Not Jump Off The Ground Quickly
Another mistake is to not jump higher and quickly enough. This can cause you to lose your momentum and fall off of the board.
With a little practice, you’ll be nailing the ollie skateboarding tricks in no time! Just remember to avoid these common mistakes and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skateboarding pro!
Tip-5: Not wearing Protective Gears
Wearing helmet, elbow, and knee pads are essential in order to perform higher ollie safely with the prevention of injury on knees or elbows. With safety confidence, you can perform ollie well.
Tip-6: Front Trucks Have Not Tightened Enough
Lose front bolts may lose momentum while performing an ollie. It is recommended to check trucks are tightened enough to control skateboarding tricks.
Tip-7: Grip Tape Is Not Sticky Enough
If the grip tape is not sticky and not of good quality then there is a chance of sliding your front foot when you try to kick flip at the highest point. This may hurt your legs and ankle and slide on the wrong side foot quickly. So, it is recommended for skaters to use good quality material for skateboard ollie.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Long Does It Take To Ollie On A Skateboard?
It typically took about 6 months to learn. Then again the practice period will vary according to your time and intensity. Some practiced for 3 hours while others practiced for 10 minutes.
How Can Ollies Be Learned Fast?
There’s no one answer to this question since everyone learns differently and at different speeds. However, some tips that may help include practicing regularly, focusing on proper technique, and seeking out advice from experienced skateboarders.