Mastering the Ollie: Step-by-Step Guide with Dominick Walker

Ryan Williams

August 2, 2023 at 3:56 PM·9 min read

The Ollie is the gateway trick to the world of skateboarding, serving as the foundation for almost every skate maneuver. Whether you're a novice skater or a seasoned rider looking to take your skills to the next level, mastering the Ollie is essential. In this detailed guide, we've teamed up with renowned pro skater Dominick Walker to reveal the secrets of executing the perfect Ollie. From achieving the right foot placement to maximizing pop and landing techniques, Dominick shares his expertise to help you master this fundamental trick with ease. Whether it's your first Ollie or you're aiming for more height and style, this step-by-step tutorial will have you Ollie like a pro in no time!

The Perfect Ollie in 5 Steps

1. Foot Placement

2. Approach

3. Pop and Slide

4. Lift Your Legs

5. Level Out and Land

Step-By-Step Guide to Ollies: A Beginner’s Tutorial

The Ollie is a fundamental skateboard trick that involves lifting the skateboard off the ground while jumping with it. As Dominick states, “it is such an important trick to learn, from stairs and flatground, it’s one of the best tricks you can learn.” Here are the basic steps to perform an Ollie:

Step 1: Foot Placement

Start by placing your front foot in the middle of the skateboard just below the bolts and your back foot on the tail, in the pocket. You want your toes almost hugging the edge of the board. Your front foot should be angled slightly towards the nose of the board.

Step 2: Approach

Next, crouch down with your knees bent and your weight centered over the board. Keep your back straight and your shoulders level. This position will give you the necessary leverage to execute the trick.

Step 3: Pop and Slide

Use your back foot to push down on the tail of the board, which will make it pop up into the air. As you do this, jump off your back foot to create upward momentum. The faster and stronger you pop, the higher the board will go. As you begin to jump, simultaneously slide your front foot up towards the nose of the skateboard.

Push down on the tail of the board with your back foot, this will make it pop up.

When you slide your foot, be sure not to keep your foot flat, because the nose is catching your foot as it rolls and slides - it's very important. This simultaneous motion will cause the tail of the skateboard to hit the ground, the deck to pop up and level out: kick, jump and slide.

Slide your front foot, being sure not to keep your foot flat. In one motion - pop, slide and jump.

Step 4: Lift Your Legs

As the skateboard pops up, jump up with it, lifting your back foot up and tucking your knees towards your chest. A lot of people forget this is how your foot pops on the board when you,

Step 5: Level Out and Land

As you level out in the air, extend your legs and land back on the board with both feet, bending your knees to absorb the impact. Ride away and continue practicing until you can do it with confidence.

Land back with both feet, bending your knees to absorb the impact

Practice and Progression

It may take some practice to get the timing and motion right, so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries. Keep practicing and soon you'll be able to Ollie with ease. Once you have your Ollie dialed, you will open up more terrain and features on your skateboard. Taking it from flatground, to curbs, stairs, transitions and more.

Tips To Ollie

Practice makes perfect. Ollieing takes time and repetition, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away.
Start by practicing stationary Ollies before attempting them while moving. This will help you get comfortable with the technique. Dominick recommends starting out on the grass (not the concrete). This helps to keep the board in place..
Keep your eyes focused on the spot where you want to land. This will help you stay balanced and in control.
Common mistake is having your feet too far forward or too far back, making your board flip of rocket
As you become more comfortable with the Ollie, try adding variations such as Ollieing up and down curbs, or over obstacles.

More To Learn. Watch These How To Skate Videos:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do an Ollie on a skateboard?

To perform an Ollie on a skateboard, follow these steps:

Place your front foot in the middle of the board and your back foot on the tail.
Crouch down and pop the tail while jumping off your back foot.
Slide your front foot upward toward the nose of the board.
Lift your legs and level out the board in the air.
Land with both feet back on the skateboard.

Practice is key to perfecting this fundamental skateboarding trick.

What is the proper foot placement for an Ollie?

The proper foot placement for an Ollie involves placing your front foot in the middle of the skateboard, just below the bolts. Your back foot should be on the tail, in the pocket, with your toes nearly hugging the edge of the board. Angle your front foot slightly towards the nose of the skateboard to achieve better control during the trick.

How can I add more height to my Ollie?

To add more height to your Ollie, focus on the following:

Ensure a strong and swift pop by pushing down firmly on the tail.
Optimize your jumping motion off the back foot to generate upward momentum.
Slide your front foot upwards towards the nose of the skateboard to level out the board in the air.

Practicing these techniques consistently will help you achieve higher Ollies.

What are common mistakes to avoid when learning the Ollie?

Common mistakes when learning the Ollie include:

Not popping the tail down hard enough to lift the board off the ground.
Failing to slide the front foot forward adequately, leading to an uneven board level.
Keeping your weight off-center, causing the board to slip away.
Not jumping high enough to give the board sufficient clearance.
Lack of consistent practice and dedication to improve technique.

Is an Ollie a beginner trick in skateboarding?

Yes, the Ollie is one of the foundational tricks in skateboarding and is often one of the first tricks beginners learn. While it may be challenging initially, it serves as a crucial skill for mastering more advanced tricks in skateboarding.

What are some tips to improve my Ollie?

To improve your Ollie, consider the following tips:

Practice regularly and be patient with yourself.
Start with stationary Ollies before attempting them while moving.
Focus your eyes on the landing spot for better balance.
Experiment with Ollie variations like curbs and obstacles.
Seek inspiration from professional skateboarders and watch tutorial videos to learn new techniques.

What are some easy tricks to learn before attempting an Ollie?

Before attempting an Ollie, get comfortable with basic skateboard skills such as riding, turning, and carving. Practice maintaining balance on the back two wheels in a manual position. Additionally, learn to "pop" the tail, which is the foundational motion for the Ollie.

How long does it take to learn an Ollie on a skateboard?

The time it takes to learn an Ollie on a skateboard varies from person to person. Some individuals may pick it up quickly, while others may require more practice and time. Consistent effort and dedication will contribute to faster improvement.

Are there advanced Ollie variations to try?

Yes, once you have mastered the basic Ollie, you can explore advanced variations, such as Ollieing up and down curbs, or over obstacles. These variations will challenge and enhance your skills as a skateboarder.

Where can I find tutorial videos for learning the Ollie?

You can find tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube, featuring professional skateboarders like Dominick Walker. These videos provide step-by-step guidance, helping you understand and execute the Ollie correctly.

Easy tricks to learn before an Ollie:

Getting comfortable riding the board and maintaining balance
Learning to turn and carve the board
Practicing manual balance (riding on the back two wheels)
Practicing "popping" the tail, which involves stomping the tail down to create upward force and the basis for the Ollie motion

Easiest tricks to learn after an Ollie:

Who is Dominick Walker?

In 2022 Dominick Walker turned pro for Disorder Skateboards, rocking the world with his video part ender at the Hollywood High 16 stair rail. His incredible skating style and friendly attitude has been a force on the skate scene for the past decade. From Tampa Am to posting next level street clips on socials and video parts, Domo’s skating is always progressing and inspiring. Living at Nyjah’s skatepark in San Clemente, he is always pushing and working on his skating, while also teaching local kids how to skate. His friendly approach to learning tricks is awesome, with his in-depth knowledge and skills on so many tricks - from basics to advanced. And with his Trick Tip Videos on skateboarding.com, it’s awesome to have someone in their prime teaching you new tricks, like Domo.