How to Do an Ollie on a Skateboard

This airborne skateboard trick is almost a requirement for every skater to learn because it is the basis for many other tricks such as the kickflip. Take time to master it and you'll find that other tricks will come a lot easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Skate Rails
• Skateboard Decks
• Skateboard Helmets
• Skateboard Pads
• Skateboard Parts
• Skateboard Trucks
• Skateboard Wheels
• Skateboarding Shoes
• Skateboards

1. Stand on the board with your rear foot placed on the tail and your front foot between the middle of your board and the front bolts.
2. Place the ball of your rear foot in the middle of the board so that when you push the tail down, the ball of your foot feels the pressure.
3. Place your front foot nearly straight across the board.
4. Practice pushing down as fast as you can with your back foot and putting all your weight on the tail. This is the initial motion of the trick.
5. Notice that the harder you push, the more your board wants to keep going up once the tail is on the ground. You will use that motion in the next step.
6. Strike the tail on the ground and jump off with your rear foot as you slide your front foot up the board (so your knee moves toward your chest).
7. Drag the side of your foot up the board as you are jumping. This will cause the board to come up with your jump. Once both feet are in the air, the board will seem to stick to them.
8. Come back down.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn this trick without rolling at first to get comfortable with the motions. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you will be able to adapt to moving and going up or down things.
• The hardest part is the timing of when to push down on the tail, when to jump, and how quickly to suck up your legs. The secret: It's all done at the same time. The faster you do it, the easier it becomes. Think about jumping off with one foot and sucking your legs up to your chest.
• Skateboarding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.