How Do You Jump on a Skateboard? (Beginner Ollie Guide + Tips)

Learning how to jump on a skateboard is one of the most exciting milestones for new skaters. The jump, also called the ollie, is the foundation for almost every other trick in skateboarding. Once you master it, you can move on to flips, grinds, and even ramps. But before you start picturing yourself flying through the air, let’s break it down into easy steps.

What is a Skateboard Jump (Ollie)?

Jumping on a skateboard means lifting both you and your board into the air at the same time. Most skaters start with the ollie, the basic jump that helps you clear cracks, curbs, or just get some air. The ollie has five simple steps: crouch, pop, slide, lift, and land. You pop the tail of the board, slide your front foot to level it out, and lift your knees. Timing, balance, and commitment are key, and mastering this jump sets the foundation for almost every other trick in skateboarding.

Why Learn It

Learning to jump is more than just looking cool; it’s one of the most important skills for any skater. Practicing jumps trains your balance and helps you stay centered on your board while moving. Landing your first jump feels incredible and boosts your confidence to keep learning. Plus, being able to hop over cracks, curbs, or small obstacles makes riding more fun and gives you the freedom to skate anywhere. The ollie, often called the “gateway trick,” is the step that unlocks all the advanced moves you’ll want to learn next.

Get Ready Before You Jump on a Skateboard

Before you learn to jump, make sure your skateboard is perfect for you and you feel comfortable on your board. Fresh grip tape keeps your feet from slipping, and skate shoes give you the control that regular sneakers can’t. Pick a flat, smooth spot with enough space to roll.

Next, practice the basics. Find your stance, left foot forward is regular, right foot forward is goofy. Push slowly with your back foot, learn to stop by dragging it lightly, and practice turning by leaning your body. Keep practicing these steps until standing and rolling feel easy. Once you’re steady, you’ll be ready to start learning how to jump.

Easy Drills Before You Ollie

If jumping still feels scary, start with simple drills to get comfortable. First, try wall jumps. Stand next to a wall and jump straight up, pretending to pop the board. This lets you practice the motion without the board moving.

Next, practice carpet slides. On carpet or grass, drag your front foot like you would on the board. This helps you get the feel for the foot movement and slide.

Finally, try the towel-pop drill. Place a towel under the tail and snap it quickly. This trains your timing and popping motion so your body knows what to do. Doing these drills makes learning your first ollie much easier and more natural.

The jump (ollie) in 6 steps for beginners

1. Set your knees:  Bend your knees. Keep your shoulders above the board. Stay relaxed.
2. Snap the tail:  Push your back foot straight down to hit the tail on the ground. Think “quick stomp,” not a slow press.
3. Jump up:  The moment the tail hits, jump straight up. Do not lean back or forward.
4. Slide your front foot:  As you leave the ground, drag the side of your front foot up the griptape toward the nose. This pulls the board up with you and starts to level it out.
5. Level and hold: When the board rises, bring your knees up. Keep the board flat under you while you are in the air. Look forward, not at your feet.
6. Land and roll away: Aim to land with both feet over the bolts. Bend your knees on impact to absorb the drop. Keep your weight centered and roll away.

Start Small and Progress with Simple Ollies

Start small and build your skills step by step. Begin with stationary micro-ollies, just try popping the board while standing still. Even if it barely lifts, it’s progress. Next, practice rolling slowly. Push once or twice, then try an ollie while moving. Going slow makes it easier to stay balanced. Finally, challenge yourself with small goals, like jumping over a stick or a line of tape. Clearing little obstacles keeps practice fun and motivates you to improve.

Common Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Learning to jump isn’t always smooth—everyone hits bumps along the way. Here’s how to tackle the most common problems:

• Board won’t lift: Stop stomping! Pop the tail and think “jump up” to get the board off the ground.
• Nose shoots up: Forgot the slide? Drag your front foot up the grip tape to level it out.
• Board shoots out behind you: Leaning back is a trap. Keep your chest over the board and jump straight up.
• Loud tail but no lift: You popped but didn’t jump. Snap and jump together for that lift.
• Landing on the tail first: Pull your knees up and keep your board flat in the air.
• Feet land in the middle: Aim for the bolts—front bolts, back bolts—for a stable landing.
• Landing wobbly: Stay over the bolts and bend your knees to absorb the impact.
• Wheels rub the deck: Landing sideways? Too heavy? Land straight and bend your knees.

Level Up Your Ollie ( Pro Skateboarder’s Tips)

Once you can lift the board a few inches off the ground, you’re ready to take the next step. The key is to challenge yourself a little at a time so you keep improving without feeling stuck.

First, practice rolling a bit faster. Even though it might feel scary at first, speed actually makes it easier to stay balanced. Push two or three times, then try your ollie while moving. You’ll notice the board feels steadier and carries you through the jump more smoothly.

After that, start aiming for small obstacles. Try clearing a sidewalk crack, a line of tape, or a thin stick. When you land those cleanly, move up to something slightly bigger, like a low curb. Setting small goals makes practice fun and gives you real progress you can see.

Finally, explore new versions of the ollie. A fakie ollie is when you roll backward, pop the tail, and jump. A nollie is when you press down on the nose to pop instead of the tail. These moves might feel strange at first, but they teach you new ways to control your skateboard and build confidence.

The more you push yourself with speed, small obstacles, and new tricks, the stronger your ollies will get. Each step makes you smoother, higher, and more comfortable on your board.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Jump

The real secret is practice and patience. Each time you try, you’re training your balance, timing, and confidence. Keep at it, and you’ll go from lifting the board a few inches to clearing curbs, cracks, and gaps. From there, more tricks open up, and skating becomes even more fun.

Most importantly, remember that skateboarding is about enjoying the ride. Don’t worry about how fast you progress. Celebrate the small wins, keep it fun, and push yourself a little at a time.

So grab your board, stay safe with your gear, and keep practicing. That first clean jump is only the beginning.

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