How to Do an Ollie on a Tech Deck: Step-by-Step Guide
Performing an ollie on a Tech Deck is one of the fundamental tricks in fingerboarding. It’s a great starting point for mastering more advanced fingerboard tricks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do an ollie:
Materials You’ll Need:
- A Tech Deck fingerboard
- A smooth, flat surface
- Patience and practice
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Tech Deck
- Before attempting an ollie, get comfortable with your Tech Deck. Hold it in your hand and practice moving it around to understand the feel of the board.
Step 2: Hand Placement 2. Hold the Tech Deck with your index finger on the top side of the deck, near the middle. Your middle finger should be on the bottom side of the deck, just behind the front wheels, applying a slight pressure upwards.
Step 3: Ready Stance 3. Start in a ready stance with your Tech Deck on a smooth, flat surface. Keep your index finger pressed down on the board, and your middle finger slightly pulling upwards, creating tension.
Step 4: Tail Pop 4. Using your middle finger, press down on the tail of the Tech Deck while simultaneously sliding your index finger towards the nose. This action will cause the tail to pop up.
Step 5: Level the Board 5. While the tail is in the air, level out the Tech Deck by bringing your index finger back towards the middle of the board. Ensure that the board is level and parallel to the ground.
Step 6: Frontside Flick 6. For an ollie, use your index finger to flick the edge of the Tech Deck’s nose forward. The flick should be quick and controlled, creating the frontside rotation.
Step 7: Catch and Land 7. Keep an eye on the Tech Deck as it rotates in the air. Be ready to catch it with your fingers when it completes a full rotation. Land all four wheels back on the surface.
Step 8: Practice and Refinement 8. Ollies, like other fingerboard tricks, require practice for consistency. Start with small ollies and gradually work your way up to higher ones. Focus on your finger positioning, timing, and balance.
Tips for Success:
- Practice on a smooth and flat surface for better control.
- Experiment with different finger pressures and flick strengths to find the right balance.
- Watch tutorial videos or observe skilled fingerboarders to refine your technique.
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it perfectly at first. Fingerboarding takes time to master.
Remember, the key to success with ollies and other Tech Deck tricks is practice and patience. As you become more proficient, you can progress to more advanced fingerboard tricks and enjoy the rewarding world of fingerboarding.