How to Ollie Over Small Objects on a Skateboard

An ollie is the first and most basic trick all skateboarders learn once they are comfortable on their boards. Mastering the ollie, a simple jump that gets air between your board and the ground, will enable you to move on to bigger skateboard jumps and tricks. The easiest way to work on your ollie is to practice by jumping over small objects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Place a small object like a cup or a skateboard beanie on the sidewalk or other surface where you are skateboarding. It's best to use something small and unbreakable, and something you won't get hurt on should you fall.
2. Skate toward the object. For something small, you don't need to gain too much speed as you'll need to concentrate on popping and landing the ollie. Doing an ollie over a small object isn't a trick that requires much momentum.
3. Slide your back foot to the tail of the board and with your front foot on the front bolts, pop the tail and crouch down, then jump up. The board will lift off the ground under your feet to allow you to jump over the small object.
4. Land your board with feet back in regular skating position after you have cleared the object and skate away.

Tips & Warnings

• A crack in the sidewalk works great as your first small object to ollie over. They are always accessible and you won't get hurt or break them should you fall off a board. Manhole covers are also good as they are stationary objects and won't break or hurt you should you fall off the board.
• Once you perfect the ollie over a small object, you can graduate to trashcans, gaps or stair sets.
• Always wear protective gear such as a helmet and knee pads when skateboarding.
• Wear skate shoes and make sure your board has good grip tape to do a good ollie.