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How to Ollie on a Skateboard

By , About.com Guide

4 of 8

Step 4 - The Front Foot

Skater: Matt Metcalf

Photographer: Michael Andrus
As you jump into the air, your front foot needs to roll slightly inward, and with the outside of your foot, you want to guide the skateboard as it flies into the air. Some people describe this as dragging the side of your front foot up the skateboard – that’s more or less what is happening, but what you are doing is using your shoe and the griptape on the board to pull the skateboard higher into the air with you, and guiding the skateboard to where you want it.

This can be tricky to figure out, so just take your time and relax. The first few times you try and ollie, it helps to not worry about this part. You will end up doing a sort of half-ollie, popping just a little in the air. Or, you might fall! But, don't worry, this is all part of learning. If you want though, you can certainly start with rolling your ankle when you try and ollie - whatever works for you! Eventualy, you will need to roll and drag, and you'll figure it out. Just take your time!

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