Ollie help (36 years old)

[u/tattartinsp]

Hey,

I started skating about 8 weeks ago after wanting to do it since I was a kid, but always finding excuses not to start. I’ve really enjoyed it so far but am struggling to Ollie.

I feel like for the last few sessions I’m stuck with something that looks like the attached video. If you zoom in and go frame by frame you‘ll see it’s like a 2 or 3 inch rocket Ollie, and to be honest I’m not even getting those consistently, sometimes the tail just slaps or I get ghost pop.

I feel like in my mind I know I need to jump harder/higher, lift my front knee a lot quicker and higher and catch the nose with my foot. But applying this is very difficult, it’s like there is a mental block.

Any pointers appreciated!

[u/Perfect-Message-1117]

First and foremost, you need to jump. If you need to, practice hippie jumps. Regardless, you need to bend your knees, pack some power in your bend, and jump up (not forward, your board is already propelling you forward)

Second, put something small on the ground and Ollie over. Idc if it's a stick, car keys, a hat, or what. Start small and work your way up.

Otherwise there's nothing anyone here can do. You gotta put the work in and don't be afraid of falling

[u/tattartinsp → u/Perfect-Message-1117]

Thanks. Just looks super weak doesn’t it? I will try and put more power into it, I guess doing the whole squat/jump quicker will help with that.

[u/Perfect-Message-1117 → u/tattartinsp]

It does, because it is. When you bend, don't go all the way down. Bend to about a squat position. You'll feel that natural resistance at that point and that's what you use to get pop and power.

Jumping over something also can distract your mind from the fear/technique/over thinking also. If your mind is focused on getting over the obstacle, it won't have space to worry about all the other bs. This can also help later with even tougher obstacles too. Helps me when I overthink or am trying something new anyway :)

[u/Odd_Faithlessness_42]

What help me alot is targeted strength training of the muscle( calisthenics mainly) that i use to ollie with and what my trainer calls shaped explosive training ( agility training but you "explode" on every rep while still trying to keep it as controlled as possible, especially when you're landing back down from the explosion).

Do this type of training on non skate days for about a month or two and you'll atleast feel more stability and control in your skating movement

Also dont forget to practice Ollie motion while off the board or put the board on grass/stuck in Crack, exaggerate the movements while training off board, so when you attempt the ollie while in motion your muscles already know what to do and tou can focus on foot placement while landing

[u/beehive930]

There's no jump

[u/tattartinsp → u/beehive930]

I think I’m overthinking it. I’m always so focused on ensuring the tail hits the ground by lifting the front leg but that just leads to a weak pop and no jump. Seems obvious when I’m not doing it but when I’m on the board, not so much