How to ollie on a skateboard

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An ollie is a fundamental skateboarding trick. It involves popping the tail of the skateboard off the ground and leveling it in the air. It's a key skill for performing a variety of tricks and thus a great steppingstone for beginners. Here's a 5-step guide to help you learn how to do an ollie:

_{Step 1: Foot Placement}

Proper foot placement is essential for the ollie! Your front foot is placed in the middle of the board in between the board’s bolts, slightly angled towards the front of your board. Your back foot should be on the middle of the back of your board, with your foot hanging slightly off the edge to provide leverage.

_{Step 2: Crouch and Prepare}

Bend your knees and crouch down slightly, preparing to jump. Keep your weight centered over the skateboard to maintain balance. 

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_{Step 3: Pop the Back}

Use your back foot to apply quick pressure and forcefully "pop" the tail of the skateboard down against the ground. This action should create a snapping motion and lift the front wheels off the ground.

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_{Step 4: Slide Your Front Foot}

While the skateboard is rising, slide your front foot forward towards the front of the skateboard. This motion levels the board in the air and keeps it from flipping.

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_{Step 5: Bring It All Together}

As the skateboard reaches the peak of its jump, bring your knees upwards towards your chest to help control the board's height. Keep your eyes focused on the board and try to keep the board level in the air. Be ready to land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.

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_{Bonus Tip: Practice and Patience}

Learning to ollie takes practice and patience. Don't get discouraged if you can't nail it right away! Keep practicing consistently, and you'll gradually improve your technique and timing.

Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet and pads, when skateboarding. Good luck!