Why Your Ollies Suck

The ollie is the cornerstone of modern skateboarding. It’s your gateway to tricks, stair sets, gaps, and everything in between. But let’s face it—most skaters go through a phase where their ollies just plain suck. If your ollies are low, uneven, or sloppy, don’t stress. It happens to everyone. Let’s break down the common reasons your ollies aren’t working and how to make them pop.

1. Weak Pop

The Problem: Your ollies lack height and energy because you’re not fully committing to popping the tail. A weak pop usually happens when you’re hesitant or not putting enough force into your back foot.

The Fix:

• Commit to the Motion: Slam that tail down hard. The louder the pop, the higher your ollie will go.
• Timing is Key: The pop and slide need to work together. If you pop late or slide too early, the trick falls apart. Practice timing until it feels like one fluid motion.

2. Lazy Front Foot

The Problem: If your front foot isn’t sliding properly, your ollies won’t level out. Instead, your board might nose-dive or just look wonky.

The Fix:

• Focus on the Slide: Your front foot should slide up the grip tape in a straight, controlled motion. Don’t rush it—let the slide guide the board into position.
• Point Your Toe: Tilting your foot slightly forward helps create a smooth slide and gives you more control.

3. Bad Stance

The Problem: An awkward stance makes it harder to ollie cleanly. If your feet are too close together, too far apart, or not positioned correctly, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

The Fix:

• Back Foot: Place the ball of your back foot on the tail, with your toes hanging off slightly. This gives you more leverage for a strong pop.
• Front Foot: Position your front foot just behind the bolts, angled slightly toward the nose for better slide control.

4. Lack of Confidence

The Problem: Fear of falling or messing up can hold you back from fully committing to the trick. If you’re not all-in, your ollies will suffer.

The Fix:

• Start Small: Practice ollies on flat ground until you’re comfortable. Once you nail the motion, try ollies over cracks, small obstacles, or even into the grass for softer landings.
• Visualize Success: Picture yourself landing the trick. Confidence comes from repetition and positive reinforcement.

5. Weak Ankles and Legs

The Problem: Ollies require strength and coordination in your lower body. If your legs aren’t strong enough, you’ll struggle to get height or control.

The Fix:

• Strength Training: Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises can build the muscles you need for better pop and balance.
• Practice Jumping: Get used to explosive movements by practicing jumps without your board. This helps develop the muscle memory for popping.

6. Poor Board Control

The Problem: If your ollie feels chaotic or your board shoots out from under you, it’s a sign of poor control. This could be due to rushing or a lack of focus.

The Fix:

• Slow It Down: Practice ollies at a slower pace. Focus on each step: pop, slide, lift. Once it feels natural, speed it up.
• Keep Centered: Stay over your board throughout the motion. Lean too far back, and the board shoots forward. Lean too far forward, and you’ll nose-dive.

7. Overthinking It

The Problem: Sometimes, the more you think about your ollie, the worse it gets. Overanalyzing each step can throw off your timing and make you second-guess yourself.

The Fix:

• Feel It Out: Once you understand the basics, let your body take over. Skateboarding is about flow—trust your instincts.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Muscle memory is your best friend. The more you ollie, the less you’ll need to think about it.

8. Skipping the Basics

The Problem: If you’re trying to ollie stairs or gaps before mastering flatground, you’re putting the cart before the horse. Mastery takes time.

The Fix:

• Perfect the Flatground Ollie: Get your ollies consistent on flat ground before taking them to curbs, ledges, or gaps.
• Work Your Way Up: Start with small obstacles and gradually increase the difficulty as your confidence and skill improve.

9. Grip Tape and Deck Issues

The Problem: Worn-out grip tape or a warped board can make ollies harder to land cleanly.

The Fix:

• Check Your Setup: Make sure your board is in good condition. If your grip tape is too smooth or your deck feels flimsy, it might be time for an upgrade.
• Fresh Gear: A new deck or fresh grip tape can make a world of difference in your ollies.

10. Impatience

The Problem: Learning to ollie takes time, and many skaters get frustrated when they don’t see immediate results.

The Fix:

• Celebrate Small Wins: Even a tiny improvement is progress. Don’t expect to land perfect ollies overnight.
• Stay Consistent: Practice every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Consistency is key to mastering any trick.

Final Thoughts

Your ollies might suck right now, but they won’t forever. Every skater struggles with this trick at first—it’s a rite of passage. By focusing on your pop, timing, stance, and confidence, you’ll see improvement sooner than you think.

So grab your board, hit the pavement, and keep at it. Because once you’ve got a solid ollie, the possibilities are endless.