Comments on: How to Do an Ollie on a Skateboard

on 9/10/2007 If you are just learning how to ollie, practice on grass so your board won't move, then gradually work your way to the concrete!

on 8/8/2006 Problem #1:

When I ollied I popped it fine, but as I dragged my foot, the board almost always shot out from under me toward the front. Or I would land, but find that my front foot was a good three inches behind my front trucks, right where I started, then fall backward because I was unbalanced.

Solution
- Lean toward the nose of the board. When I jumped, I would for some reason lean backward, toward my tail. It was subconscious, I barely noticed it. Just really focus on leaning toward the nose, and keep focusing as you pop it and drag.

Problem #2:

I couldn't ollie high at all. My front end went up fine--a good foot or so--but my tail end barely went up two inches. This made for some awkward landings, obviously. I perfected the ollie to manual this way (not really).

Solution:
- This seems really obvious, and I'm sure you've all read the "Lift up your back foot" comment before. When you ollie, remember, you back foot is as high as you can possibly go. You'll never go any higher than your back foot. I really concentrated on kicking my back foot up and went from two inches high to six in one day. Don't worry too much about it, just lift it up. It actually makes landing a lot easier.

on 8/8/2006 - Pop your tail
- Jump
- Rub your shoes
- Pull up your back foot
- Master the ollie

on 8/8/2006 This tip will be easier for more experienced boarders.
When you're in the air after an ollie, try to go into a manual, or if you are near a rail; grind. It's lower to the ground and that makes it easier to land.

on 8/8/2006 First, put your foot on the back of the deck, then the other foot in the middle of the skateboard, push down with your back foot while dragging with your front, and pushing the board down when in front to level out the deck.

on 8/8/2006 You have to know that it will take a while, and you won't get it in a day or so. It could possibly take you a month. Don't get mad, keep trying.
1. Get some speed going.
2. Snap down on the tail (or very back) of the skateboard.
3. Immediately slide your foot up.
4. Level yourself in the air.
5. Land with a smile on your face.
6. Have fun!

The pop (when you snap down the tail) is very important. You really have to slam it. The sliding of the front foot is important too!

on 8/8/2006 If you're a beginner, don't be scared when you're popping up the board because you would end up popping just a little. Place your back foot on the tail and put your front foot in the middle of the board. Crunch down and pop up with all your power, slide your front foot up your board. Don't be scared!

on 8/8/2006 You will find it useful to practice the ollie while holding onto something (so you feel more stable and more secure). The key to a good ollie is to be smooth, and being scared or uncomfortable will definitely make it harder to get it right.

on 8/8/2006 first tip is u need to have lighter trucks
if your goffy put ur right foot half on the board and ur left fooft on the tail smack down on the tal as hard as u can to get higher and slide ur right foot up and make ur drag up ur front foot to your chest for a highr ollie

on 8/8/2006 Don't try your hardest in the beginning. Work your way up. Try hitting your tail harder and harder, and sliding your foot higher and higher. After you get the hang of it, be confident that you can do it.

on 8/8/2006 Don't think of it so much as sliding your foot up the board, but as driving the nose down. This helped me.

on 8/8/2006 To ollie, you need to jump high. If you have a problem with jumping high (in fear of falling down and hurting yourself), try in a different terrain. You can practice in grass, carpet, or anything soft to absorb your fall. Even though you can't move, you can practice the pop. When you're comfortable with this, go to the streets and practice ollie with the skateboard moving.

on 8/8/2006 Put your back foot on the tail and your front foot in the middle of the board. Slam the tail and jump up. When slamming, use your toes so you can jump higher, then slide your front foot up to the nose then slam down.

on 7/5/2006 Make sure that your trucks are tight enough, or your skateboard will tilt when you land. Try holding on to a bar or the top of your fence when you first try doing an ollie. It will help you get the feel of it. This tip is good for scaredy cats like me! But hey, it helps big time.

Remember, with a little practice you can go a long way. Don't give up, even if you're not too good at first; keep trying.
I get teased because I'm not very good, but that doesn't stop me from doing what I love most.

on 6/30/2006 Put your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot in front of the trucks. Kick as hard as possible on the back. Jump before your board's tail hits the ground. Slide your foot up the board to go higher. Lightly lift your back foot up and put all your weight on your front foot to land. I guarantee you will be skating in no time.