What is an Ollie?
Before we dive into the details of how to ollie on a tech deck board, let's first understand what an ollie is. An ollie is a fundamental skateboarding trick where the rider jumps into the air without using their hands. It involves popping the skateboard's tail against the ground while sliding your front foot upwards to level the board mid-air. Mastering this trick on a regular skateboard is challenging enough, but doing it on a tech deck board adds more difficulty.
Benefits of Learning How to Ollie on a Tech Deck Board
Learning how to ollie on a tech deck board has many benefits:
It helps improve your coordination and finger dexterity. Performing the precise movements required for an ollie on such a small scale requires high control and finesse.
It allows you to practice skateboarding tricks even when you can't go outside or don't have access to a full-sized skateboard. This makes it a convenient option when you're stuck indoors or traveling.
Mastering the ollie on a tech deck board can be a stepping stone to learning more advanced tricks and techniques.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Ollie on a Tech Deck Board
Grip the board: Start by placing your index finger and middle finger on the top side of the board near the bolts. Your thumb should rest on the underside, applying pressure to the tail.
Position your fingers: Position your fingers so that your index finger is slightly closer to the nose of the board while your middle finger is closer to the tail. This will give you better control when popping the board.
Pop the bottom: Press down with your thumb to pop the rear of the board against a hard surface, such as a table or your other hand. This will create the "pop" sound characteristic of an ollie.
Slide your front finger: As you pop the tail, slide your front finger (index finger) upwards towards the nose of the board. This motion should be quick and smooth, allowing the board to level out mid-air.
Land smoothly: Once the board is level in the air, practice landing it smoothly by bringing your fingers back down and absorbing the impact. Aim to land with both fingers simultaneously to maintain balance.
While learning how to ollie on a tech deck board, it's common to make a few mistakes along the way. Common mistakes and prevention:
Insufficient pop: If your ollie feels weak or doesn't get the board off the ground, apply enough pressure to the tail when popping. Practice popping harder to generate more energy and lift.
Inconsistent slide: If you're having trouble sliding your front finger smoothly towards the nose, try to find the right balance between speed and control. It's crucial to achieve a fluid motion without rushing or hesitating.
Uneven landing: If your board is landing unevenly or tilting to one side, keep your fingers parallel and exert equal pressure. This will help maintain stability and prevent wobbly landings.
Tips for Improving Your Ollie Technique
To refine your ollie technique on a tech deck board, consider the following tips:
Practice regularly: Consistency is vital when it comes to improving your ollie. Set aside daily practice time to work on your technique and build muscle memory.
Film yourself: Record your ollie attempts and watch them back to identify areas for improvement. This visual feedback can be invaluable in refining your technique and making necessary adjustments.
Experiment with finger placement: While there is a general guideline for finger placement, feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. Everyone's hand size and finger dexterity differ, so adapt the technique to suit your needs.
Advanced Ollie Variations
Once you've mastered the basic ollie on a tech deck board, you can challenge yourself with some advanced variations. Here are a few to try:
Switch ollie: Perform an ollie with your non-dominant hand on the board. This makes it harder and develops ambidexterity.
Nollie: Similar to a regular ollie, but this time, you pop the nose of the board instead of the tail. This requires precise finger movement and coordination.
Kickflip ollie: Combine the ollie motion with a kickflip by flicking your front finger off the board's edge. This creates a spinning action in mid-air.
Freestyle Tricks You Can Learn After Mastering the Ollie
You can expand your repertoire with various freestyle tricks once you've perfected the ollie on a tech deck board. Some to get you started:
Kickflip: Similar to the kickflip ollie, but you add a complete flip to the board this time. Flick your front finger off the board's edge while simultaneously performing an ollie.
Heelflip: Instead of using your front finger, use your middle finger to flick the board in the opposite direction while performing an ollie.
Manual: Balance on just two wheels of the tech deck board by applying pressure on the front or back wheels. This trick requires precise control and balance.
Equipment and Gear for Tech Deck Boarding
To get started with tech deck boarding, you'll need a few essential equipment and gear:
Tech deck board: Choose a board that suits your size, shape, and design preferences. Compare brands and models before buying.
Grip tape: Apply grip tape to the top side of the board to enhance your finger grip and prevent slipping. This is especially important when attempting tricks that require precise control.
Obstacles and ramps: Invest in mini ramps and barriers to create a skate park-like environment for your tech deck board. More tricks and stunts are possible now.
Conclusion and Encouragement to Keep Practicing
Learning to ollie on a tech deck board is challenging yet rewarding. It improves your finger dexterity and coordination and opens the door to a world of skateboarding tricks and stunts. Remember to start with the basics, master the ollie, and gradually progress to more advanced variations and freestyle tricks. Try new things, practice often, and most importantly, have fun. So grab your tech deck board, start practicing, and unlock your skills to become a tech deck pro!
CTA: Start your tech deck journey today and unlock your skills by practicing the ollie. You can become a tech deck pro in no time with dedication and perseverance!