This is probably the most useful trick in the book (besides learning to push of course). The ollie is basically where the skater snaps the tail off the ground and drags his/her front foot up towards the nose and levels out the board making both the board and the skater above it get off the ground.
History: Originally this trick was invented by Alan Gelfland. It was first done as an air out of a transition without using hands, something remarkable at the time. This was later done by freestyle extraodinaire Rodney Mullen on the flatground. When Alan Gelfland came up with this trick it was named after his nick name "Ollie" and kids at skateparks would steal his shoes thinking that they were the secret to pulling off this maneuver.
How it's done:
First off, many people set up their feet differently for this trick but in general the idea is to have the back foot in the middle of the tail/near the tip and the front foot 1/2 to 3/4 up the board.
1. Put your feet in position mentioned above. Keep your shoulders in line with the board and bend down.
2. The part which makes the trick happen is all about timing. You need to snap the backfoot off the ground but jump up as soon as you do this. It will take some effort, but the trick here is timing- snaping the tail off the ground and jumping up at the same time. If you can get backwheels/tail off the ground then you have figured out the key to this trick.
3. While your backwheels are off the ground and rising with your backfoot, your board will not be level with the front. Here you give a nudge and a slight slide up the grip tape with your front foot. Be sure to level up and out- not downwards. If you push down you will not receive as much height. Be sure to be sucking both knees up towards the chest for more height as well
4. Once your board is at the apex your board should be level. From there keep your form and fall with the board. Stomping down will make it difficult to ollie over and down objects later on so try to keep good form and keep your knees bent
5. Here you are touching the ground. As you land bend down to absorb the impact so it will keep less pressure on your legs and add stability when you land.
6. Keep practicing and have fun!!! Skateboarding in general is harder to learn than most activities, but more rewarding. Keep at it and you will land it.
Some notes on this trick:
-Be sure to keep even pressure among both feet. If you are stumbling on your front foot or your kicking the board away it is probably because your weight distribution is uneven.
-Don't be scared of this trick. It takes getting used to but is very rewarding. I recomend knowing how to ride the board and be comfortable before attempting this. I also suggest learning it rolling, but stationary works too- just remember it will feel a little different.
-Timing timing timing. That's the biggest key to this. Timing and commitment. Be confident- you can do it :)
-Most importantly have fun!!! If you get frustrated just take a break and try again later. Learning to ollie isn't the easiest thing ever and it takes time to perfect this technique. Having a fellow skater help you or watching videos will help tremendously in learning this.
Here are some videos of people doing trick tips for this trick if you prefer a visual aid. Have fun! this trick will open up a TON of new tricks for you later on :)
Chad Muska showing how it's done:
Tony Hawk and Kris Markovich explaining it (with slow mo!)
