Prepare to conquer the urban landscape with the elusive Ollie, a cornerstone maneuver in the world of fingerboarding. This gravity-defying feat grants you the power to soar over obstacles, grind along railings, and perform mind-boggling tricks. Embark on this detailed guide as we unlock the secrets of mastering the Ollie, transforming you into a fingerboard maestro capable of astounding your peers and leaving your mark on the miniature metropolis.
To initiate the Ollie, position your dominant hand over the front two wheels of the fingerboard and your weaker hand over the back wheels. As you lower the board to the ground, simultaneously push down with your dominant hand while flicking up with your weaker hand, creating a “pop” motion. This rapid sequence propels the board into the air, providing the foundation for various maneuvers. Practice this movement diligently, experimenting with different angles and force to find your optimal technique.
Once you have mastered the basic Ollie, it’s time to elevate your skills. By incorporating variations in your flicking motion, you can execute advanced maneuvers such as the Frontside 180 Ollie, where the board spins 180 degrees in the direction of the flick. Alternatively, the Backside 180 Ollie spins the board in the opposite direction. With consistent practice and dedication, you will develop the dexterity and precision required to pull off these thrilling tricks, impressing fellow fingerboarders and commanding the respect of the urban miniature scene.
Gather Your Materials
The first step in learning to ollie on a fingerboard is to gather the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fingerboard: This is a small skateboard designed specifically for use with fingers. It typically has a plastic deck, metal trucks, and plastic wheels.
- Trucks: These are the metal parts that connect the deck to the wheels. They allow the wheels to rotate and steer.
- Wheels: These are the round parts that roll on the ground. They can be made of plastic, rubber, or metal.
- Bearings: These are the small metal balls that sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin smoothly.
- Screwdriver: This is used to tighten and loosen the trucks and wheels.
- Grip tape: This is a sticky material that is applied to the top of the deck to provide grip for your fingers.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you can begin assembling your fingerboard. Start by attaching the trucks to the deck. Then, insert the wheels into the trucks and secure them with the bearings. Finally, apply the grip tape to the top of the deck.
Choose a Suitable Location
Selecting the right location is crucial for a successful ollie. Here are some factors to consider:
Surface:
A smooth, even surface is ideal. Avoid rough or uneven surfaces as they can hinder the fingerboard’s movement. Examples of suitable surfaces include concrete, pavement, or a wooden floor.
障害物の有無:
Make sure the area is clear of obstacles such as rocks, sticks, or furniture. These can cause the fingerboard to trip or get caught, interrupting your ollie attempt.
照明:
Good lighting is essential for visibility. If you’re practicing outdoors, choose a well-lit area or avoid practicing at night. Indoor locations with ample lighting are also suitable.
Space:
You need enough space to practice your ollies comfortably. A few feet of open space should suffice for beginners. As you progress, you can gradually increase the distance you ollie.
Suitable Conditions:
Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds should be avoided as they can make it difficult to control the fingerboard.
To summarize the key points for choosing a suitable location:
| Surface | Obstacles | Lighting | Space | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Smooth, even |
Clear of obstacles |
Ample lighting |
Enough open space |
Avoid extreme weather |
Position Your Fingerboard Correctly
Proper fingerboard positioning is crucial for success in ollieing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ideal setup:
Grip and Placement
Hold the fingerboard between your thumb and middle finger, with your index finger hovering above the front truck. Rest the board on the middle part of your middle and ring fingers, ensuring a balanced distribution of weight.
Thumb Positioning:
Position your thumb on the top of the tail, slightly behind the rear truck. This provides leverage for pushing down and generating the necessary force for the ollie.
Middle Finger Placement:
Place your middle finger on the bottom of the tail, directly under the rear truck. This acts as a pivot point for the ollie, allowing the board to rotate as you push down.
Index Finger Positioning:
Slightly hover your index finger above the front truck. When you ollie, this finger will flick forward to complete the trick. Ensure your finger is in a relaxed position, ready to execute a quick and controlled flick.
| Finger | Position |
|---|---|
| Thumb | Top of tail, slightly behind rear truck |
| Middle Finger | Bottom of tail, under rear truck |
| Index Finger | Hovering above front truck |
Master the Pop and Slide
The key to performing a clean ollie lies in mastering the pop and slide. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Pop
The pop is the initial upward motion that separates the tail from the deck. To achieve a good pop, place your back finger close to the tail, about 1 cm from the edge. Apply downward pressure with your index finger on the front of the deck, gripping it with a “pinch” grip. Simultaneously flick your back finger quickly towards the nose of the board, mimicking the motion of a slingshot.
Slide
The slide is the act of moving your front finger forward along the deck as the tail pops. This motion ensures that the nose of the board follows the tail and elevates into the air. As the tail pops, move your front finger smoothly and quickly towards the middle of the deck, applying pressure to slide it along the surface. The timing and coordination of the pop and slide are crucial for a successful ollie.
Table of Timing and Coordination:
| Movement | Timing |
|---|---|
| Pop | Flick back finger towards nose |
| Slide | Move front finger towards middle of deck as tail pops |
| Leveling | Adjust finger positions to level the board |
Leveling
Once the board has reached its peak height, the next step is leveling it out. Adjust the position of your back finger slightly to compensate for any imbalances or rotations. Simultaneously, use your front finger to gently push the nose of the board into a level position parallel to the ground.
Develop Muscle Memory
Developing muscle memory is essential for mastering the ollie on a fingerboard. This involves repeated practice to create a strong neural connection between the desired motion and your muscles. Here are some tips to enhance muscle memory:
Consistent Practice:
Regular and consistent practice is crucial for building strong muscle memory. Dedicate time each day to练习the ollie, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Slow-Motion Practice:
Break down the ollie movement into smaller, slower steps. Focus on each step individually, practicing it until it becomes familiar and instinctive.
Mental Visualization:
Visualize yourself performing the ollie correctly in your mind. This helps reinforce the muscle patterns and strengthens the neural connections.
Haptic Feedback:
Pay attention to the physical sensations you experience when you perform the ollie. Focus on the position of your fingers, the tension in your muscles, and the sound of the board.
Frequency and Repetition:
The frequency and repetition of your practice plays a significant role in muscle memory development. Aim to practice regularly, even on days when you don’t feel particularly motivated. Repetition will help solidify the neural pathways and make the movement more automatic.
| Practice Frequency | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Daily | Develops strong muscle memory quickly |
| Every other day | Allows for recovery while reinforcing muscle patterns |
| Twice a week | Maintains muscle memory while allowing for improvement over time |
Practice Consistency and Repetition
Practice Regularly
The key to mastering the ollie is repetition. Carve out specific time for practice each day, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes. Consistency will help you develop muscle memory, improving your technique and making the trick become second nature.
Repetition with Variation
While it’s important to be consistent with your practice, it’s also beneficial to vary your practice routine. Don’t just mindlessly repeat the same motions over and over. Mix things up by practicing ollies from different positions, adjusting the speed of your flick, or experimenting with different ollie variations.
Focus on Details
When practicing ollies, pay attention to every detail of the trick. Observe how your fingers move, the angle of your board, and the timing of your flick. Focus on executing each step precisely, and you’ll gradually see improvements in your overall technique.
Avoid Getting Discouraged
Mastering the ollie takes time and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed at first. Keep practicing, focus on improving your technique, and you’ll eventually achieve your goal. Remember, everyone started somewhere, and with enough effort and determination, you can conquer the ollie.
Additional Tips for Practice
Practice Surface:
| Surface | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | Provides more grip, making it easier to learn. | Can be too grippy, limiting board movement. |
| Smooth Surface (e.g., table) | Allows for easier board movement. | Requires more control, making it more challenging. |
Use Obstacles:
Practice ollies over small obstacles to improve your control and accuracy. Start with small obstacles like books or pencils and gradually make them higher as you gain confidence.
Film Yourself:
Record yourself practicing ollies to analyze your technique. This will help you identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.
Evaluate Your Progress and Make Adjustments
Tracking your progress is crucial for improvement. Regularly record your practice sessions and note any areas where you struggle. Pinpoint the specific techniques or finger movements that need refinement.
Adjustments
Based on your evaluation, make targeted adjustments to your technique. Focus on fine-tuning the following aspects:
| Aspect | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Foot Positioning | Experiment with different stances or foot placement to find the most comfortable and effective position. |
| Finger Flick | Refine the timing and angle of your finger flick to generate a more powerful and consistent pop. |
| Board Leveling | Pay attention to the angle of the board during the Ollie. Aim to level it out smoothly after the flick. |
| LandingPractice landing softly and balanced to maintain control. |
Remember, progress is not linear. There will be setbacks and plateaus. Stay patient, analyze your technique, and make gradual adjustments to overcome obstacles and elevate your Ollie skills.
Troubleshooting Common Errors
1. The board doesn’t tail slap.
The board is either not popping off the tail or not sliding along the top of your thumb’s nail. Try popping the tail more forcefully and making sure your thumb is in a relaxed position.
2. The board flips too much.
You are probably flicking your wrist too much. Try flicking your wrist less and just popping the tail off the ground. You may also want to try using a softer flicking motion.
3. The board doesn’t level out.
You are probably not sliding your thumb along the top of your fingernail. Try keeping your thumb in a relaxed position and sliding it along the top of your fingernail as you pop the tail.
4. The board lands on its tail.
You are probably not flicking your wrist up enough. Try flicking your wrist up more forcefully and holding it in the up position for a moment. You may also want to try using a harder flicking motion.
5. The board flips backwards.
You are probably flicking your wrist too much backwards. Try flicking your wrist less backwards and more towards the side of the board. You may also want to try using a softer flicking motion.
6. The board gets stuck on your finger.
Your board is probably too narrow for your finger. Try using a wider board.
7. The board spins out of control.
You are probably not keeping your thumb relaxed. Try keeping your thumb in a relaxed position and sliding it along the top of your fingernail as you pop the tail.
8. My fingers are too short to do an ollie.
You can still do an ollie if you have short fingers. You may need to use a narrower board and adjust your hand position. You can also try using a different finger position. For example, you can try using your index finger and middle finger instead of your thumb and index finger. By following these tips below in the HTML table, you should be able to avoid these common errors and start landing ollies consistently.
| Finger Position | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb and index finger | Most common and easiest to learn | Can be difficult to get the board to flip consistently |
| Index finger and middle finger | Can help to get more leverage and flip the board more easily | Can be more difficult to control the board |
| Flick: |
|---|
|
| Pop: |
|
Boneless Ollie
This variation involves jumping without touching the ground with the board and then landing back on it. It requires:
- Grabbing the board with your pushing hand before jumping.
- Tucking your legs into your chest.
- Snapping your wrist to level the board.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Kickflip Ollie
This variation involves flipping the board 360 degrees in the air. It requires:
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Flicking your foot upward to flip the board’s tail.
- Catching the board as it rotates.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
360 Pop Shove-it
This variation involves spinning the board 360 degrees on the ground while jumping. It requires:
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Flicking your finger forward to rotate the board.
- Jumping and rotating your body 360 degrees in the air.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Varial Flip
This variation involves a combined flip and shove-it. It requires:
- Performing a kickflip ollie.
- Flicking your finger forward to spin the board horizontally.
- Catching the board as it rotates.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Inward heel Flip
This variation involves a flip where the tail rotates toward the front. It requires:
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Flicking your foot forward and to the side to flip the board.
- Catching the board as it rotates.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Switch Ollie
This variation involves performing an ollie while rolling in the opposite direction. It requires:
- Riding the board in “switch” stance (with your back facing the board).
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Nose Ollie
This variation involves performing an ollie off the nose of the board. It requires:
- Popping the board with your front foot near the nose.
- Sliding your front foot up the board to level it.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Backside 180 Ollie
This variation involves performing an ollie while spinning the board 180 degrees backward. It requires:
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Flicking your wrist backward to spin the board.
- Rotating your body 180 degrees in the air.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Frontside 180 Ollie
This variation involves performing an ollie while spinning the board 180 degrees forward. It requires:
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Flicking your wrist forward to spin the board.
- Rotating your body 180 degrees in the air.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
Impossible
This variation involves performing an ollie while the board is upside down. It requires:
- Holding the board upside down with your pushing hand.
- Performing a regular ollie.
- Catching the board with your flicking hand.
- Flipping the board back over.
- Landing on the board with your feet apart.
How to Ollie on a Fingerboard
The ollie is one of the most basic and essential tricks in fingerboarding. It’s a jumping motion that allows you to clear obstacles and land on the other side. The ollie is the foundation for many other tricks, so it’s important to master it before moving on.
Step 1: Place Your Fingers
Place your dominant hand’s index finger on the nose of the fingerboard and your middle finger on the tail.
Step 2: Pop the Tail
Use your middle finger to quickly flick the tail of the fingerboard down towards the ground.
Step 3: Slide Your Front Finger
As the tail flicks down, slide your index finger forward towards the nose of the fingerboard.
Step 4: Jump
As your index finger slides forward, use your middle finger to pop the board up into the air.
Step 5: Level Out
Once the fingerboard is in the air, use your index finger to level it out and land it on its wheels.
People Also Ask About How to Ollie on a Fingerboard
How high can you ollie on a fingerboard?
The height of an ollie depends on several factors, including the fingerboard’s size, your technique, and the surface you’re skating on. With practice, you can learn to ollie several inches high.
What is the best fingerboard for ollies?
There are many different fingerboards available, but some are better suited for ollies than others. Look for a fingerboard with a strong tail and a concave deck. These features will help you get the most pop and control when ollieing.
How long does it take to learn to ollie on a fingerboard?
The time it takes to learn to ollie on a fingerboard varies from person to person. With consistent practice, you can expect to master the ollie within a few hours or days.
