What Is the Most Important Trick in Skateboarding?

If you've ever tried skateboarding or seen the cool tricks the pros do, you know it's all about mastering lots of tricks. But what's the most important trick in skateboarding, you ask? Well, it's none other than the Ollie!

For those of you who are new to the skateboarding scene or just curious about what an Ollie is, don't worry; we've got you covered. The Ollie is to skateboarding what the ABCs are to reading—it's the fundamental skill upon which countless other tricks and maneuvers are built.

So, let's dive into the world of the Ollie and explore why it's the crown jewel of skateboarding tricks.

What's an Ollie, Anyway?

The Ollie is a basic skateboard trick that involves getting your board off the ground without using your hands. Sounds simple, right? Well, it's deceptively complex, and mastering it takes time, practice, and patience.

The Ollie was invented by Alan "Ollie" Gelfand in the late 1970s, and it quickly became a game-changer in the world of skateboarding. Prior to the Ollie, skateboarders could only perform basic tricks like 180-degree spins or kickturns. But Ollie's innovation allowed skaters to pop their boards into the air, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities.

Why Is the Ollie So Important?

1. Foundation for Everything Else: Learning to Ollie is like learning to walk before you run. Once you've mastered this trick, you'll find it easier to tackle more advanced moves. It's the building block for countless other tricks like kickflips, heelflips, and varials.

2. Control and Balance: The Ollie is all about balance and control. It teaches you how to manipulate your board in mid-air, which is crucial for pulling off any aerial tricks. It's like the skateboarder's version of learning to ride a bike without hands.

3. Street Cred: If you want to earn respect in the skateboarding community, you've got to have a solid Ollie in your arsenal. It's the trick that separates the beginners from the serious skaters.

How to Ollie

Now that we've established the importance of the Ollie, let's briefly go over how to perform this essential maneuver:

1. Foot Placement: Start with your front foot angled slightly diagonally across the board, with your toes near or slightly over the edge. Place your back foot on the tail, ready to pop the board.

2. Pop and Slide: Pop the tail of your skateboard down while simultaneously sliding your front foot up toward the nose. This creates a snap effect, lifting the board into the air.

3. Level Out: As your board rises, level it out by keeping both feet parallel to the ground. This is the key to achieving a clean, balanced Ollie.

4. Land Smoothly: After reaching the peak of your jump, bring your knees up and prepare to land back on the bolts (the metal part of the trucks) of your skateboard.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice: The Ollie takes time to perfect, so don't get discouraged if you don't nail it on your first try. Keep practicing, and you'll get better with each attempt.

So, there you have it—the Ollie, the most important trick in skateboarding. No matter how long you've been shredding, mastering the Ollie is a rite of passage that opens the door to endless possibilities. You're now ready to Ollie your way to skateboarding greatness! Grab your board and hit the streets or skatepark!