5 Exercises to Give You a Bigger Ollie: Boost Your Skateboarding Skills

Ready to take your ollie to new heights? Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, boosting your ollie can open up a world of tricks and maneuvers. It's not just about popping the board higher; it's about control and precision.

We’ve spoken to the qualified personal trainers at TRAINFITNESS  who have compiled five killer exercises to help you achieve that bigger ollie, how to perform them and why they help.

These aren't your run-of-the-mill workouts; they're designed to target the muscles and movements critical for skating. So grab your deck, and we’ll take a look at the exercises that will elevate your game.

Warm-Up: The Foundation Of A Bigger Ollie

Warming up is crucial before working on any trick, especially the ollie. Cold muscles are prone to injury, and warm muscles respond better. Begin with some light cardio to increase heart rate. Jogging in place or jumping jacks works well. Spend at least five minutes on this.

Loosen up your legs with dynamic stretches. Lunges and leg swings help. Aim for 10 to 15 reps on each side. These stretches engage your thighs and calves, crucial for a powerful push and pop.

Don’t skip your ankles and feet. Ankle circles and toe taps are essential. Spend a couple of minutes here. These exercises enhance your balance and stability on the board.

Focus on your hips too. Hip circles and side leg lifts target this area. Perform these moves for 10 reps each. Hips play a key role in the ollie’s motion.

Wrapping up your warm-up, integrate some balance drills. Stand on one foot or use a balance board. Aim for 30 seconds on each side. These drills fine-tune your control.

A proper warm-up sets the stage for your skate session. Your body will be ready, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance.

Exercise 1: Jump Squats

Jump squats are key to a bigger ollie. They build explosive power in your legs.

How To Perform Jump Squats

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat. Keep your chest up and knees behind your toes. Jump as high as you can, then land softly in the squat position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

Benefits For Your Ollie

Jump squats boost leg strength and explosiveness. Stronger legs help you pop higher. Better explosiveness improves overall control. These gains directly translate into a higher, more controlled ollie.

Exercise 2: Box Jumps

Box jumps boost vertical leap, crucial for a higher ollie. This explosive workout mimics the pop of an ollie, amplifying your lift-off.

How To Perform Box Jumps

1. Start Position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart in front of a stable box.

2. Jump: Bend knees slightly, swing arms, and jump up onto the box.

3. Land Softly: Land gently with both feet on the box.

4. Step Down: Step down one foot at a time, then repeat.

Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps to build explosive power.

Benefits For Your Ollie

Box jumps increase your leg strength and coordination. They also enhance your explosive power, needed for a higher and cleaner ollie. This workout trains your muscles to react quickly, helping you get more height and control in your skateboard tricks.

Exercise 3: Calf Raises

Calf raises target the calf muscles, important for snapping the tail of the skateboard. This adds height and finesse to your ollie.

How To Perform Calf Raises

Stand with feet hip-width apart. Find a sturdy surface for balance, like a wall or a chair. Raise your heels off the ground, standing on your toes. Hold for a second, then lower heels back down. Repeat for 3 sets of 15-20 reps. If you'd like an extra challenge, perform this exercise on one leg.

Benefits For Your Ollie

Calf raises strengthen the muscles in your lower legs. Strong calves provide more power during the tail snap, offering you a higher ollie. Improved calf strength also helps with balance, key for skating stability. Regular practice sharpens your control, enhancing your overall skateboarding ability.

Exercise 4: Skateboarding Squats

Skateboarding squats are integral for building the strength and balance required to perform a higher ollie. They directly target muscles engaged during the trick.

How To Perform Skateboarding Squats

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold your skateboard in front of you at chest level. Lower into a squat, keeping your back straight, until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Use your heels to push yourself back to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times for 3 sets. For added challenge, place the skateboard deck on your thighs while squatting.

Benefits For Your Ollie

Skateboarding squats strengthen your legs and core, essential for the pop and balance needed in an ollie. They improve stability, helping you land more tricks. By mimicking the crouch-and-pop movement, you'll train your muscles for better synchronization during an ollie. Enhanced muscle endurance from these squats allows for longer skate sessions with reduced fatigue.

Exercise 5: Hip Flexor Stretches

Hip flexor stretches play a crucial role in elevating your ollie. This exercise increases flexibility and reduces tension in the hip area, providing more control and higher jumps.

How To Perform Hip Flexor Stretches

Start in a kneeling position with one knee on the ground. Place the opposite foot in front, creating a 90-degree angle with both legs. Push your hips forward gently until you feel a stretch in the front of the hip. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs. Repeat for 3 sets. Ensure your back remains straight during the stretch.

Benefits For Your Ollie

Enhanced hip flexibility translates to a better range of motion, helping you achieve a higher ollie. Improved hip mobility aids in stability and control during the pop, allowing for smoother landings and better trick execution. Incorporating hip flexor stretches into your routine prepares your body for longer skate sessions and reduces the risk of injuries.

Conclusion

Mastering a higher ollie is within your reach with the right exercises and a solid warm-up routine. By incorporating jump squats, box jumps, calf raises, skateboarding squats, and hip flexor stretches into your training, you'll build the strength, explosiveness, and flexibility needed for an impressive ollie. Remember consistency is key. Stick to your routine and you'll see progress over time. Keep pushing your limits and enjoy the journey of becoming a better skater. Happy skating!