Learning to jump, or Ollie, with the skateboard will enable you to perform many freestyle tricks. According to SkateLegends.com, former professional skateboard Alan "Ollie" Gelfand invented the no-handed jumping technique in 1978; before that, old school skateboarders used their hands to lift the board off the ground. Modern street skateboarders have added flipping and spinning variations to the basic jumping maneuver. Practice the skateboard jump on flat ground to get comfortable with the motions of the trick.
Step 1
Hold the front end of the skateboard in your non-dominant hand. Take a few steps forward before lowering the wheels onto the ground. Jump onto the top of the skateboard with your lead foot in a forward position.
Step 2
Slide your lead foot towards the middle of the skateboard. Push off the pavement with your back foot to increase your speed. Align your back foot over the sloped section at the rear of the skateboard.
Step 3
Lower yourself into a crouched position to stabilize your riding stance. Apply downward pressure with your back foot until the front wheels lift off the pavement. Jump off your back foot as the rear of the skateboard makes contact with the ground.
Step 4
Slide your lead foot forward to level out the skateboard. Raise your knees as high as possible to maximize the airtime of your skateboard jump. Shift your body weight to ensure the four wheels of the skateboard remain parallel with the pavement.
Step 5
Lower your eyes to the ground as you begin to descend from your jump. Bend your knees as the wheels make contact with the riding terrain.
Tips and Warnings
- Utilize the jumping technique to Ollie over small obstacles and cracks in the sidewalk.
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