Mastering the Ollie: A Step-by-Step Guide for Tech Deck Enthusiasts

The ollie is the foundational trick in the world of fingerboarding, essential for any Tech Deck enthusiast looking to take their skills to the next level. While it may seem daunting at first, with practice and patience, you can perfect this classic maneuver and impress your friends with your fingerboarding prowess. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ollie on a Tech Deck:

1. Get the Right Setup: Start by choosing the right Tech Deck for your preferences. Select a deck with a concave shape and medium to high kicks, as these features will provide better control and pop for your ollies. Additionally, make sure your fingerboard has quality grip tape to keep your fingers firmly in place during tricks.
2. Position Your Fingers: Place your index and middle fingers on the Tech Deck, positioning them near the center of the board’s width. Your thumb should be positioned on the tail of the board, while your index finger rests near the middle or slightly behind the front bolts.
3. Find Your Stance: Adopt a comfortable and balanced stance with your fingers on the Tech Deck. Your front finger (index finger) should be angled slightly forward, while your back finger (middle finger) remains parallel to the board.
4. Pop the Tail: With your fingers positioned correctly, press down firmly on the tail of the Tech Deck with your thumb to create a “pop” or snapping motion. This action generates the force needed to lift the board off the ground.
5. Slide Your Front Finger: As you pop the tail, simultaneously slide your front finger (index finger) upward toward the nose of the board. This sliding motion helps level out the Tech Deck in the air and prepares it for the landing.
6. Level Out the Deck: Focus on leveling out the Tech Deck in mid-air by adjusting the pressure and angle of your fingers. Keep your movements controlled and smooth to maintain stability and control throughout the trick.
7. Prepare for Landing: As the Tech Deck reaches its peak height, prepare for the landing by gradually releasing pressure from the tail while maintaining contact with the board using your fingers. Keep your eyes on the board to gauge its position and prepare to absorb the impact.
8. Stabilize and Ride Away: As the Tech Deck descends, use your fingers to stabilize the board and ensure a smooth landing. Bend your fingers slightly to absorb the impact and maintain balance. Once the board makes contact with the surface, roll away smoothly to complete the ollie.
9. Practice Consistently: Like any skill, mastering the ollie on a Tech Deck requires practice, patience, and persistence. Start by practicing the individual components of the trick, such as popping the tail and sliding your front finger, before attempting the full ollie motion. With regular practice, you’ll gradually improve your technique and unlock new possibilities for tricks and combinations.

By following these step-by-step instructions and dedicating time to practice, you’ll soon be executing clean and stylish ollies on your Tech Deck like a seasoned pro. Remember to stay focused, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun mastering this fundamental trick in the world of fingerboarding.