Ollie is one of the most exciting tricks for fingerboarders of all levels. When you Ollie, you slide your finger forward along the board, creating a sharp flicking motion. This causes the tail of the board to hit the ground, propelling it upward in a stylish jump.
While it may seem difficult at first, with a little practice, you’ll be landing Ollies in no time.
To start, place your front finger on the front of the deck and your back finger just behind the middle of the deck. Make sure your fingers are parallel to the board and your thumbs are on the grip tape. Next, bend your knees and lower your body towards the ground. As you do this, simultaneously flick your back finger forward and downward. This will cause the tail of the board to hit the ground and the nose of the board to lift upward.
Once the tail of the board hits the ground, quickly slide your front finger forward along the deck. This will level out the board and allow you to land smoothly. As you land, bend your knees to absorb the impact. Congratulations! You’ve just landed your first Ollie.
Setting the Foundation: Understanding the Ollie’s Mechanics
Mastering the ollie on a fingerboard demands a comprehensive understanding of its intricate mechanics. This fundamental maneuver requires a harmonious combination of grip, footwork, and board manipulation. Let’s break down each component meticulously:
Grip: The Foundation of Control
Your grip dictates your ability to command the fingerboard. Start by placing your index and middle fingers behind the front bolts, ensuring a secure hold. Your thumb should rest lightly on the board’s tail, ready to initiate the ollie. The precise placement of your fingers allows for precise board manipulation and stability during the maneuver.
The angle of your grip is equally crucial. A slightly angled grip (45-60 degrees) provides optimal leverage for popping and flicking the board. This angle enables you to generate the necessary force for a clean and controlled ollie.
Additionally, the pressure you apply to the board influences its responsiveness. A firm grip ensures a solid connection, while too loose a grip can compromise control and stability. Experiment with different grip strengths to find the balance that best suits your technique.
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Grip Position: |
Forefingers and middle fingers: Behind front bolts |
|---|---|
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Thumb Position: |
Lightly resting on the tail |
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Grip Angle: |
45-60 degrees |
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Grip Pressure: |
Firm, yet balanced |
Perfecting Your Foot Placement
The foot placement is a crucial aspect of landing an ollie successfully. It determines the board’s flight, spin, and overall control. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to perfect your foot placement for an ollie:
Front Foot Placement: Position your front foot slightly behind the front bolts. Your toes should hang slightly over the edge of the board, providing leverage for the flick motion.
Back Foot Placement: The back foot should be placed on the tail, typically 1-2 inches from the edge. Position it slightly angled towards the direction you want the board to spin. This angle will determine the rotation of the board in the air.
Flicking Motion: As you jump, flick your front foot forward and downward. This action creates momentum that propels the board upwards. Keep your flick strong but controlled, and focus on flicking in a straight line towards the ground.
Fine-Tuning Your Foot Placement:
Experiment with different foot positions to find what works best for you. Consider the following adjustments:
Front Foot Angle: Adjusting the angle of your front foot can affect the board’s flight trajectory. A more angled foot placement can give the board more pop and spin. A flatter foot placement provides more stability.
Tailbone Pressure: The amount of pressure you apply to the tailbone with your back foot influences the board’s height. Lighter pressure results in a lower ollie, while heavier pressure generates more pop and height.
Back Foot Slide: Sliding your back foot forward as you flick can give the board additional momentum for more height and distance. However, excessive sliding can lead to the board flipping too fast.
Flicking the Tail: Mastering the Timing
The third and crucial step in executing an ollie is flicking the tail. This involves using your back finger to apply pressure on the tail of the board and quickly flicking it downwards in a rapid and precise motion. The timing of this flick is essential and requires both coordination and practice.
To begin, place your back finger slightly behind the tail of the board and apply light pressure. As you jump, use your back finger to flick the tail downwards in a sweeping motion. This will generate an upward force that propels the board into the air. The angle of the flick and the amount of force applied will determine the height and distance of your ollie.
Tips for Mastering the Tail Flick
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Practice | Repetitive practice is key to developing the necessary muscle memory and timing. |
| Flick Angle | Experiment with different angles of flicking to find the optimal height and distance for your ollie. |
| Force Control | Gradually increase the force applied to the tail flick to achieve a higher ollie. Avoid flicking too hard, as this can result in the board flipping over. |
| Finger Positioning | Keep your back finger close to the tail when flicking to ensure a precise and controlled movement. |
| Consistency | Strive for consistency in your flicking motion to achieve consistent ollie height and distance. |
Leveling Out: Balancing Your Board
In order to successfully perform an ollie, it is crucial to understand how to balance your board once it has reached its peak height. This process, known as leveling out, involves simultaneously manipulating both the tail and nose of the board to achieve a flat, stable position.
To level out, start by keeping your eyes focused on the board at all times. This will help you maintain spatial awareness and make quick adjustments as needed.
Utilize your front finger to guide the nose of the board while keeping your index finger on the tail. As the board reaches its apex, gently push the nose forward and slightly downward to begin leveling it. Simultaneously, release pressure from the tail with your back finger to allow the board to follow the movement of the nose.
The timing and coordination of these two actions are essential. If you release pressure from the tail too early, the board will over-rotate and flip completely. Conversely, if you release pressure too late, the board will not level out and will fall back to the ground. Achieving the perfect balance requires practice and repetition.
Key Points for Leveling Out
| Action | Finger Position | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Move nose forward and downward | Front finger | Forward and down |
| Release pressure from tail | Back finger | Upward |
Commitment and Practice: Enhancing Your Technique
Progress in fingerboarding, like any skill, requires unwavering dedication and consistent practice. Here are some strategies to amplify your technique and maximize your progress:
1. Time Investment:
Set aside dedicated practice sessions and adhere to them religiously. Regular practice fosters muscle memory and solidifies technique.
2. Focused Observation:
Study videos and observe experienced fingerboarders to glean insights into their technique. Analyzing their movements will help you identify areas for improvement.
#### 3. Progressive Practice:
Avoid attempting advanced techniques prematurely. Master the basics first, then gradually introduce new elements to your practice.
4. Mistake Embracing:
Recognize that mistakes are an inevitable part of learning. Embrace them as opportunities to identify weaknesses and refine your technique.
5. Troubleshooting and Technique Refinement:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Ollie height lacking | Increase jump height and delay tail flicking slightly |
| Inconsistent board leveling | Practice timing and flicking motion to ensure a clean release |
| Tail drag after flick | Slightly lift the nose before flicking to avoid contact with the ground |
| Landing flat | Focus on bending knees upon landing to absorb impact and keep the board balanced |
| Board flipping sideways | Ensure equal pressure on both sides of the tail during the flick |
Troubleshooting Common Errors
1. Failing to Lift the Back Foot
Ensure you lift your back foot fully to avoid accidentally moving the fingerboard with it during the ollie.
2. Not Sliding the Front Foot Forward
Practice sliding your front foot forward simultaneously with lifting your back foot to generate the momentum needed for the ollie.
3. Not Leveling the Board
After sliding your front foot, ensure you level the fingerboard by pressing down on the back of the board with your back foot to create lift.
4. Hitting the Tail too Hard
Avoid slamming the tail into the ground; instead, aim for a gentle flick to maximize the board’s pop and height.
5. Leaning Forward
Keep your body centered over the board to maintain balance and stability during the ollie.
6. Popping the Tail Incorrectly
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Flicking the tail straight down | Flicking the tail slightly sideways |
| Using the back foot’s heel | Using the back foot’s side |
| Slamming the tail into the ground | Gently flicking the tail |
| Not flicking the tail high enough | Flicking the tail to a 45-degree angle |
| Flicking the tail at the wrong angle | Flicking the tail perpendicular to the board |
Variations and Evolution: Exploring Advanced Ollies
7. Finger Flip Back Foot Kickflips
Finger flip back foot kickflips are an advanced variation of the basic ollie that involves flipping the board over by kicking the tail with your back foot. This trick is more difficult than the basic ollie and requires a good amount of practice. However, it is a very impressive trick once you master it.
To do a finger flip back foot kickflip, start by placing your feet on the board as you would for a regular ollie. Pop the tail of the board with your back foot and then immediately slide your front foot forward towards the nose of the board. As you slide your front foot forward, kick the tail of the board upwards with your back foot. This will cause the board to flip over in the air. Land on the board with both feet and roll away.
Finger flip back foot kickflips can be done in a variety of ways. You can experiment with different foot positions and movements to find what works best for you. Some people like to use their back foot to pop the tail of the board and then use their front foot to flip the board over. Others like to use their front foot to pop the tail of the board and then use their back foot to kick the board up into the air. The key is to find a technique that works well for you and practice it until you can perform the trick consistently.
Integration into Fingerboard Tricks
The ollie is a fundamental trick in fingerboarding and serves as the foundation for many other maneuvers. Once you have mastered the ollie, you can integrate it into various tricks to enhance your fingerboarding skills.
Half-Cab Ollie
A half-cab ollie involves rotating your fingerboard 180 degrees while performing an ollie. This variation adds a stylish flair to the standard ollie and can be executed by pushing the tail slightly to the side as you pop the ollie.
Kickflip Ollie
The kickflip ollie is an advanced maneuver that requires precise timing and coordination. While performing an ollie, you simultaneously flick the nose of the fingerboard to rotate it 360 degrees. This trick requires a lot of practice but can add a spectacular visual element to your fingerboarding.
Pop Shuvit
The pop shuvit is a trick that combines the ollie with a 180-degree rotation. To perform a pop shuvit, pop the tail of the fingerboard and slide your index finger across the board to spin it sideways.
Varial Ollie
A varial ollie involves rotating the fingerboard 360 degrees while also performing an ollie. This trick requires a flick of the wrist and some practice to achieve the desired rotation.
Frontside 180 Ollie
This trick involves turning the fingerboard 180 degrees in the same direction as your popping motion. It is a relatively simple variation of the ollie that adds a creative touch to your fingerboarding.
Backside 180 Ollie
Similar to the frontside 180 ollie, the backside 180 ollie involves rotating the fingerboard 180 degrees, but in the opposite direction of your popping motion.
Double Ollie
The double ollie is a combination of two ollies performed in quick succession. This trick requires a lot of coordination and timing but can add a dynamic element to your fingerboarding.
Impossible Ollie
The impossible ollie is considered one of the most difficult tricks in fingerboarding. It involves performing an ollie while simultaneously rotating the fingerboard 360 degrees around its longitudinal axis. This trick requires extensive practice and a high level of skill.
| Trick | Description |
|---|---|
| Half-Cab Ollie | Ollie with 180-degree rotation |
| Kickflip Ollie | Ollie with 360-degree nose rotation |
| Pop Shuvit | Ollie with 180-degree sideways rotation |
| Varial Ollie | Ollie with 360-degree rotation |
| Frontside 180 Ollie | Ollie with 180-degree rotation in the same direction as popping |
| Backside 180 Ollie | Ollie with 180-degree rotation in the opposite direction of popping |
| Double Ollie | Two ollies performed in succession |
| Impossible Ollie | Ollie with 360-degree rotation around the longitudinal axis |
Safety and Technique Tips
Positioning and Stance
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the toes of your front foot angled slightly forward and your back foot parallel to the board. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet.
Grip and Finger Placement
Place your front foot’s index and middle fingers on the front of the board, near the nose. Your back foot should be positioned on the tail, with your index finger and thumb gripping the sides.
Popping the Tail
To initiate the ollie, quickly press down on the tail with your back foot while simultaneously sliding your front foot forward.
Sliding the Nose
As the tail pops, quickly slide your front foot up the board towards the nose to level it out. Your fingers should slide along the edge of the board, applying pressure to the nose.
Leveling Out
Once the board is level, adjust the position of your feet to stabilize it in the air. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered to maintain balance.
Landing
As the board descends, guide it back to the ground by placing your feet on the deck. Be sure to land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.
9. Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Board flips sideways | Adjust your front foot placement to keep it centered on the board. |
| Board doesn’t pop high enough | Press down on the tail with more force and/or slide your front foot faster. |
| Board doesn’t level out | Slide your front foot further up the board and apply more pressure to the nose. |
| Board lands crooked | Adjust the position of your feet in the air to level it out before landing. |
Perseverance and Progress: Unlocking the Ollie’s Potential
Mastering the ollie is a testament to the power of perseverance and progress. This iconic fingerboard trick requires countless hours of practice and a deep understanding of the board’s mechanics. As you embark on this journey, embrace the challenges and celebrate the small victories along the way. Remember, progress is not linear; there will be setbacks, but they are stepping stones towards your ultimate goal.
To unlock the ollie’s potential, follow these crucial steps:
- Lay the Foundation: Start by practicing popping and leveling the board without flicking your finger. This builds muscle memory and prepares you for the more advanced motion.
- Find Your Stance: Experiment with different foot positions and tail heights to find the optimal setup for your body. A comfortable and stable stance is essential for executing the ollie.
- Master the Pop: Use the ball of your back foot to hit the tail of the board sharply downwards. This will generate the upwards force that lifts the board.
- Smooth Pop: Avoid hitting the tail too hard or too gently; find the sweet spot for a consistent pop.
- Engage Your Front Foot: As the board pops, slide your front foot forward to level it. This action stabilizes the board and sets it up for the next step.
- Precise Flick: Timing is crucial. Flick your finger upwards with a quick, jerking motion at the apex of the pop. This generates the rotation that sends the board into the air.
- Channel Your Force: Focus the flicking force on the nose of the board. This will direct the rotation and ensure a clean ollie.
- Balance in the Air: As the board ascends, adjust your body weight to keep it balanced. This will allow you to control the landing.
- Master the Landing: Catch the board with both feet and gently apply pressure to the nose or tail to level it.
- Troubleshooting Common Mistakes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Board doesn’t pop | Hit the tail harder or adjust the tail height |
| Board levels but doesn’t rotate | Flick your finger harder and at the right moment |
| Board flips backwards | Flick your finger upwards, not backwards |
| Board is unstable in the air | Practice balancing and adjusting your body weight |
How to Ollie on a Fingerboard
The ollie is the most fundamental trick in fingerboarding, essential for aerial maneuvers and basic technical tricks. To master the ollie, it is recommended to practice on a smooth surface, such as a table or fingerboard park. The technique involves a quick down-and-up motion with the fingers, combined with a slight flick of the wrist.
Step 1: Position the Fingers
Place the index and middle fingers on the grip tape, approximately above the middle of the board. The index finger should be slightly behind the middle finger, providing the main force for the ollie.
Step 2: The Downward Motion
Swiftly press down on the nose of the board with the middle finger. At the same time, lift your index finger slightly. This will tilt the board slightly backward.
Step 3: The Flick
As the board tilts backward, quickly flick your wrist upwards while simultaneously sliding your index finger forward under the board. This will cause the tail to snap down and generate the necessary momentum for the ollie.
Step 4: The Leveling
After the flick, the board will start to rise. Use your fingers to guide it and level it out by gently pushing the tail down and lifting the nose up. The correct timing is crucial to achieve a balanced landing.
People Also Ask
How high can I ollie?
The height of an ollie depends on several factors, including fingerboard size, finger strength, and technique. With practice, it is possible to ollie several centimeters high.
How do I make the ollie smoother?
Smoothness comes with practice. Focus on maintaining a consistent and controlled movement with your fingers. Avoid abrupt or jerky motions, and try to keep the board level throughout the ollie.
What if I can’t snap the tail down?
If you have trouble snapping the tail down, practice flicking your wrist more forcefully. Another technique is to slightly press your middle finger towards the tail as you flick with your index finger, which can help generate more downward motion.
