Everything You Need to Know About an Ollie
Hey there, fellow skateboarding enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into one of the most fundamental tricks in skateboarding: the ollie. Whether you're a newbie just starting or an experienced skater looking to polish your skills, understanding the ollie is crucial. So grab your board, and let’s roll!
What is an Ollie?
First things first, what exactly is an ollie? The ollie is a skateboarding trick that allows a rider to jump into the air while keeping their board underneath them. It’s the building block for many other tricks, so mastering this move will elevate your skateboarding game significantly. The trick is named after the legendary skater Alan "Ollie" Gelfand, who is credited with developing the move in the late 1970s.
Why is the Ollie So Important?
Now, you might be wondering, why does everyone rave about the ollie? Well, it’s more than just a cool move! The ollie is the gateway to a plethora of other tricks. Once you’ve got it down, you can start adding flips, grinds, and even transitions into your repertoire. Think of the ollie as the foundation of skateboarding tricks; if your foundation is solid, the sky's the limit!
The Mechanics of an Ollie
Before we jump into how to do an ollie, let’s break down the mechanics of it. An ollie involves three main components:
- Pop: This is the initial force that you apply to the tail of your skateboard. It’s what propels the board upwards.
- Drag: After popping the tail, you want to drag your back foot up towards the nose of the board. This action helps lift the front of the board off the ground.
- Leveling Out: As you reach the peak of your jump, you’ll need to level out the board. You can do this by pushing down with your front foot.
By coordinating these three actions, you can achieve a clean ollie that gives you a bit of air and keeps your board right under your feet.
How to Do an Ollie: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to learn how to ollie? Awesome! Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Get Comfortable on Your Board
Before trying any tricks, make sure you’re comfortable riding your skateboard. Practice balancing, turning, and braking until you feel at ease on your board. Confidence is key!
Step 2: Position Your Feet
Place your back foot on the tail of the board, similar to how you'd position it for an ollie. Your front foot should be placed across the middle of the board, ensuring you have enough leverage to drag it up.
Step 3: The Pop!
With your back foot, press down hard on the tail to “pop” it off the ground. This is where you’ll get your initial lift. Remember to apply enough pressure but not so much that you lose control!
Step 4: Drag Your Front Foot
As you pop the board, begin dragging your front foot up towards the nose. This is a crucial part of the move; it helps lift the front of the board and keeps it level as you go into the jump.
Step 5: Jump!
As you drag your front foot, jump upward with both feet. This action should be a smooth, fluid motion. Try to leap straight up, keeping your knees bent to absorb the landing.
Step 6: Level It Out
At the peak of your jump, push your front foot down slightly to level out your board. This allows you to land smoothly back on the board.
Step 7: Land!
Bend your knees as you land to absorb the impact. Try to land with both feet over the bolts for better stability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning the ollie can be challenging, and everyone makes mistakes along the way. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not Popping Enough: If you don’t give the tail a strong enough pop, your board won’t get the height it needs.
- Dragging Too Early: Dragging your front foot too soon can cause the board to flip or get stuck on the ground.
- Not Jumping: If you forget to jump, you might end up just dragging the board along the ground—definitely not what we want!
- Landing Flat: If you land flat-footed, you could risk tipping over. Always bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Tips for Mastering the Ollie
Now that you know how to perform an ollie, here are some tips to help you master it:
- Practice on a Flat Surface: Find a level area to practice; it makes it easier to focus on your technique.
- Keep Your Weight Centered: Stay balanced over the board to maintain control during your ollie.
- Use Your Arms: Swing your arms up as you jump to gain some extra height.
- Watch Tutorials: Sometimes seeing someone else do it can make all the difference. Check out some online videos to visualize the ollie.
- Be Patient and Have Fun: Learning tricks takes time and practice, so don’t get discouraged. Enjoy the process!
Advanced Ollie Variations
Once you’ve nailed the basic ollie, it’s time to explore some variations that will spice up your skateboarding routine. Some popular ollie tricks include:
- Ollie Nollie: This variation involves popping the board with your front foot instead of the back, which creates a unique twist.
- Ollie 180: This move adds a 180-degree spin to your ollie, allowing you to land facing the opposite direction.
- Ollie North: In this trick, you lift the front of the board higher than the back, showcasing your style and control.
- Ollie to Grinds: You can combine your ollie with grinds on ledges or rails for a sick combo.
Famous Ollies in Skate History
When we talk about the ollie, we can't forget the pioneers who took it to new heights. One of the most famous figures in skate history is Rodney Mullen—a legend who revolutionized street skating. He transformed the ollie into a tool for creativity, making it possible to perform tricks that were thought to be impossible. Thanks to his innovative spirit, the ollie became a foundational trick that paved the way for so many styles and techniques we see today.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about the ollie, from the basics to more advanced variations. Remember, the key is patience and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away; even the pros had to put in the time! Now go out there, have fun, and show the world what you’ve got on your skateboard! Catch you at the skate park!