How to Perfect Your Ollie for Higher Scores in Skateboarding Contests

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Mastering the ollie is essential for skateboarding success, especially if you’re aiming for higher scores in contests. The ollie is a fundamental trick that allows skaters to jump onto ledges, over obstacles, and onto rails, making it a key component of many advanced tricks. This guide will walk you through the steps to perfect your ollie and impress judges with clean, high jumps.

Understanding the Basics of the Ollie

The ollie is a trick where the skateboarder leaps into the air without grabbing the board, using only their feet. It involves a popping motion with the back foot combined with a sliding motion of the front foot to level the board in midair. A well-executed ollie looks smooth and controlled, with the board rising evenly beneath the skater.

Steps to Perfect Your Ollie

  • Position Your Feet: Place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard and your front foot near the middle or slightly closer to the bolts.
  • Popping the Tail: Push down sharply with your back foot to pop the tail of the board off the ground.
  • Sliding Your Front Foot: As you pop, slide your front foot diagonally upward toward the nose of the board to level it in midair.
  • Jump and Level: Use your knees to jump upward, keeping your body centered over the board.
  • Landing: Aim to land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact and maintain balance.

Tips for Higher and Cleaner Ollies

  • Practice Your Pop: A strong, clean pop is crucial for higher ollies.
  • Use Your Wrists: Incorporate wrist movement to help with control and timing.
  • Stay Centered: Keep your weight centered over the board for stability.
  • Increase Height Gradually: Focus on getting higher in small steps before attempting bigger jumps.
  • Record and Review: Use video to analyze your technique and identify areas for improvement.

Practice Drills to Improve Your Ollie

  • Stationary Ollies: Practice on the ground to build muscle memory.
  • Ollie Over Obstacles: Use small ramps or curb edges to practice height and control.
  • Ollie to Flat: Focus on landing smoothly on flat ground after each ollie.
  • Progress to Moving: Once comfortable, practice ollies while rolling to simulate contest conditions.

With consistent practice and attention to technique, your ollies will become higher, cleaner, and more controlled. These improvements will help you achieve higher scores in skateboarding contests and elevate your overall skating skills. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey to mastering the perfect ollie!