How to Jump on a Skateboard

A guide on learning how to jump on a skateboard.

Learning how to jump on a skateboard takes a lot of practice and determination. If you have ever seen kids skateboarding in skateboard videos, you probably know that being able to jump on a skateboard, which most skaters call "ollying," is essential to being able to pull off virtually any other skateboarding trick. Here are some tips to help you learn how to jump, or ollie, on a skateboard.

You should be moving when you ollie, but some people like to learn how to ollie while standing still. Keep in mind that it's a bit easier to learn if you're moving.

Stand on your skateboard the way you normally would; your front foot just in front of the center and your back foot near the tail. As you're rolling, move your back foot to the back edge of the skateboard and your front foot closer to the middle.

Bend your knees; the more you bend, the higher you will be able to jump. Using your back foot, push the tail of the skateboard down. Use your front foot to "jump" with the skateboard, pulling the deck with your foot as your foot slides toward the nose of the skateboard. Once your front foot is near the nose of the skateboard, push it down to land. Be sure to bend your knees again as you land to keep from seriously injuring yourself.

This isn't something that you'll be able to learn instantaneously. You'll have to practice a lot. Always wear protective gear when you're skateboarding and especially when you're learning something new or doing new tricks. A helmet is the minimum amount of protective gear that you should wear. If you're skateboarding in a skate park, you may have to also wear elbow pads and knee pads. In fact, it's a good idea to wear elbow and knee pads all the time, especially as a new skateboarder.