This Ollie Technique Will Make You Master Every Flat Land Like a Pro

If you’re mastering skateboarding and dreaming of cruising any flat surface with ease and creativity, the Ollie is your hidden superpower. This classic trick isn’t just for tricks — it’s the foundation of control, speed, and flow on flat ground. In this article, we’ll break down the perfect Ollie technique so you can dominate every flat landing and elevate your skate game to new levels.


Understanding the Context

What is an Ollie?

An Ollie is the fundamental skateboarding technique used to lift the board off the ground without using hands during takeoff — achieved by slapping the tail and pressing the nose down. While essential for rails and jumps, the Ollie is equally vital for mastering flat lucks and smooth, powerful landings across any flat terrain. Mastering it unlocks fluid transitions, precision control, and the confidence to tackle any flat surface.


Why Mastering the Ollie Matters on Flat Land

Key Insights

Flat land is more than walking — it’s about flowing. A smooth, confident Ollie turns chaotic surfaces into a seamless ride. Whether cruising paved streets, skateparks, or sidewalks, mastering the Ollie ensures:

  • Consistent control and balance
    - Faster, smoother landings
    - Ability to perform advanced maneuvers using flat terrain as a launching pad
    - Confidence to push creative limits

The Perfect Ollie Technique: Step-by-Step Guide

Perfecting the Ollie requires coordination, timing, and muscle memory. Follow these steps to build a reliable, powerful Ollie every time:

Final Thoughts

1. Stance and Preparation
Start with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight centered over the board. Position your dominant foot just behind the nose, non-dominant foot slightly forward. Arms relaxed but ready — no gripping.

2. Nose Compression
Quickly slap the tail of the board with your back foot, creating a powerful downward force. Simultaneously, flick your front foot upward, pressing firmly on the tail〜this photosensitive moment raises the board tire-first.

3. Rising with the Tail
As the tail hits the ground, your foot pushes down and back, lifting the board high into the air. Time this motion with your upper body shift—lean back slightly and drive through with your back foot.

4. Landing with Control
Land softly on the board’s platform, absorbing impact with bent knees. Keep your weight balanced and centered to absorb shifts and maintain grip. Smooth landings reinforce consistency and confidence.


Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Ollie

  • Practice on a smooth ramp or flat concrete surface to build feel without obstacles.
    - Use a soft pop on lighter boards before switching to stiffer decks—this refines timing.
    - Record and review your Ollie video to identify wobbles or awkward foot placement.
    - Focus on fluidity, not speed—speed comes naturally with muscle memory built from control.
    - Strengthen ankles and wrists through targeted exercises—they’re essential for powerful board contact.

How the Ollie Elevates Your Flat Land Mastery

Once your Ollie is second nature, ordinary flat ground becomes your canvas. Apply this technique to: