Req 2d12 — Ollie
The ollie is the foundational trick of modern skateboarding. Invented by Rodney Mullen on flat ground in 1982, the ollie makes the board appear to stick to the rider’s feet as they leave the ground — without any hand-grab. Every other flip trick, most grinds, and countless other maneuvers start from or are built on the ollie. You need to land a basic ollie and at least one variation.
How to Ollie
- Foot position. Front foot centered on the board, slightly behind the front truck bolts. Back foot: toes on the tail, centered left-to-right.
- Crouch. Bend your knees into a low crouch — this loads your legs with spring energy.
- Pop the tail. Snap your back foot downward explosively, slamming the tail into the ground. The tail hitting the ground sends the board upward.
- Slide the front foot. As the tail hits, slide your front foot up toward the nose — the friction of your shoe against the grip tape carries the board up and levels it in the air.
- Suck up your legs. Pull your knees toward your chest to let the board rise fully.
- Land with bent knees. As the board levels out, press your feet down onto the bolts and land with knees bent to absorb the impact.
The ollie requires dozens to hundreds of attempts for most people. Start stationary before trying while moving.
Ollie Variations
Higher ollie. Pop more explosively and crouch deeper. The same mechanics, more commitment.
Ollie off a curb (ollie down). Ride toward a curb drop, ollie just before the edge, and land on the lower surface. Easier than a flat-ground ollie because the drop gives you extra air time.
Ollie up a curb (ollie up). Approach a curb, ollie with enough height to clear the lip, and land on the higher surface.
Rolling ollie. Execute a standard ollie while moving forward. Requires the same mechanics as the stationary version, with added timing challenges.