Can You Do an Ollie on a Skateboard? The Ollie: Skateboarding’s Fundamental Trick

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Any skateboarder will tell you that the ollie is the most fundamental skateboard trick. They’re great for getting over obstacles, moving around on your board, or just looking cool. Know the right way to move your feet on the board and with a little bit of practice, you can learn to pull off the perfect ollie!

Origin of the Ollie

Allan "Ollie" Gelfand is the person we have to thank for this iconic skateboarding move. In 1976, he figured out a way to do airs on a skateboard without having to grab the board with your hands while airborne. Rodney Mullen took Allan’s trick to a whole new level, naming it "the ollie" in Allan’s honor and helping it become a fundamental part of modern skateboarding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ollie

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Start with your board in a rolling position and your back foot on the tail.
  2. Bend your knees and lean forward, placing your front foot near the center of the deck.
  3. Shift your weight to your front foot and jump straight up, scooping the back end of the board with your back foot as you go.
  4. As you reach the apex of your jump, snap your wrists downwards to pop the board off the ground.
  5. As the board comes up to meet your feet, place your back foot on the tail and ride away.

With a little practice, you’ll be nailing ollies in no time!

Learning to Ollie: Essentials

To feel comfortable standing on the board and ready to ollie, you need to place your back foot on the tail with the ball of the foot feeling the edge of the board’s tail. Your front foot should be just a little bit up from the middle of the board. Transfer your weight and push your back foot down hard on the tail of your board, while sliding your front foot up to the nose to gain momentum.

Choosing the Right Foot Placement

In order to ensure you’re using the most appropriate foot placement, start by riding the skateboard slowly and swapping your front foot. Assess which feels most comfortable and confident.

Practicing on a Flat Surface

A flat surface is the safest and easiest place to learn how to ollie. Avoid learning on a hill as it isn’t safe for beginners. Place your board on flat ground, stand on it with your back foot on the edge of the tail, and your front foot in the center.

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