The ollie. It is the most important trick you will have to learn to really get down on some good skateboarding, unless you prefer to learn the pop shove-it first, but then again we aren’t talking about the pop shove-it are we? So let’s cut the chit-chat and get on with it.

The ollie is a difficult maneuver, but like everything it just takes some time and dedication. It also helps to practice in the grass or on a rug so you board won’t move under your feet while you are learning.

You will want to position your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot about 2 inches behind the truck screws on top of the board (toes should be in the middle of the board). Now you will want to push down on the tail with your back foot bringing the front of the board up. When the tail of the board touches the ground you want to jump with your back foot, while sliding your front foot up the board towards the nose. This will bring the board into the air and as your foot is sliding forward you are also leveling the board out. When the board is level in the air you will want to straighten your legs out coming down on the board.

If you are going to practice the ollie while moving make sure you are leaning forward a little when landing or you might go down. You will also want to make sure you aren’t landing on your board with your feet together or you will definitely go down. Like I said before it will take some practice, but keep at it and you will be popping ollies all over the place.