Want to land your first Tech Deck ollie and impress your friends? You’re in the right place.
Mastering this basic trick is the key to unlocking more cool moves and having tons of fun with your fingerboard. This guide will walk you through simple, clear steps to help you pop, flick, and land your ollie like a pro.
Ready to take your Tech Deck skills to the next level? Let’s get started!
Tech Deck Essentials
Before attempting the Tech Deck ollie, understanding the basics is key. Tech Deck essentials form the foundation for smooth tricks. These essentials include picking the right board, setting it up properly, and knowing your finger positions well. Each part helps you control the board better and land tricks with ease.
Choosing The Right Tech Deck
Select a Tech Deck that feels comfortable in your hand. Look for one with a good grip tape surface. Pick a size that matches your finger length for better control. Boards with smooth wheels roll easier on flat surfaces. Avoid boards that are too small or too large. The right board helps you practice tricks longer without fatigue.
Setting Up Your Board
Start by checking the trucks and wheels. Tighten or loosen trucks to match your style. Loose trucks turn easily but may feel unstable. Tight trucks offer more stability but less turning. Make sure wheels spin freely without sticking. Clean any dirt for smoother rides. A well-set board responds better to your movements.
Familiarizing With Finger Positions
Place your index finger near the front of the board. Your middle finger goes on the back for balance. Keep your thumb on the side for grip. Practice lifting the front with your index finger. Use your middle finger to flick the tail down. These finger moves help you pop the board during an ollie. Knowing your finger positions boosts confidence and control.
Ollie Basics
Mastering the Ollie is the first big step in your Tech Deck journey. It’s the foundation for many cool tricks and combos. Understanding the basics will make your practice more focused and your progress faster.
What Is An Ollie?
An Ollie is a trick where your Tech Deck jumps into the air without using your hands. It’s all about popping the board off the surface and leveling it out before landing. This move lets you get over obstacles and sets you up for more advanced tricks.
Key Movements For The Ollie
The Ollie starts with pressing down the tail of your Tech Deck with your back finger to create a quick pop. At the same time, slide your front finger forward to lift the board. Timing is everything: pop first, then slide to level the board mid-air.
- Pop the tail sharply with your back finger.
- Slide your front finger forward to raise the nose.
- Keep your fingers close to the board for control.
- Land smoothly with both fingers on the board.
I remember struggling with timing this move—my board would either not pop high enough or wouldn’t level out. Adjusting my finger positions by just a millimeter made all the difference.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many beginners press the tail too softly, so the board barely lifts. Others slide their front finger too late, causing the board to tilt and fall. Avoid lifting your fingers too early; it reduces control and height.
- Don’t press the tail slowly—pop it sharply.
- Don’t delay the front finger slide.
- Don’t lift fingers off the board mid-air.
- Avoid uneven finger pressure that tilts the board.
Ask yourself: Are you confident in your finger timing? If not, break down the trick and practice each part slowly. This focus can help you avoid common pitfalls and nail the Ollie.
Step-by-step Ollie Guide
Learning the Tech Deck ollie involves a few simple but precise movements. This guide breaks down the trick into clear parts. Follow each part carefully to improve your control and style.
Positioning Your Fingers
Place your index finger near the front bolts of the board. Your middle finger should rest just behind the rear bolts. Keep fingers relaxed but ready. This stance helps you control the pop and slide easily.
Pop And Slide Technique
Press down sharply with your middle finger to pop the tail. At the same time, slide your index finger forward along the board’s edge. This motion lifts the board and levels it out in the air. Practice this movement slowly to build muscle memory.
Landing With Control
Keep your fingers steady as the board comes down. Aim to land the wheels evenly on the surface. Bend your fingers slightly to absorb the impact. This helps prevent the board from flipping or slipping. Balance is key for a smooth landing.
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Practice Tips
Practice is key to learning the Tech Deck Ollie. Consistent effort builds muscle memory and control. Focused practice helps improve balance and timing. Small, regular sessions work better than long, infrequent ones. Patience and persistence are essential to progress. Below are some tips to guide your practice.
Daily Drills To Improve
- Start with simple flicks to get the pop right.
- Practice landing on the same spot repeatedly.
- Use a smooth, controlled motion for better balance.
- Try short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes daily.
- Include warm-up exercises to loosen your fingers.
- Mix in other basic tricks to keep skills fresh.
Tracking Your Progress
Keep a practice journal or video record. Write down what works and what needs work. Note the number of successful ollies per session. Watch your videos to spot mistakes. Celebrate small wins to boost confidence. Tracking helps identify patterns and areas to improve.
Staying Patient And Motivated
Progress may feel slow at times. That’s normal and part of learning. Take breaks if you feel frustrated. Set small, clear goals for each practice. Reward yourself for milestones reached. Stay focused on fun, not just results. Remember, every expert started as a beginner.
Advanced Ollie Variations
Mastering the basic Tech Deck ollie is a great start, but pushing your skills further will set you apart. Advanced ollie variations challenge your control, timing, and creativity. These moves not only look impressive but also build a stronger foundation for more complex tricks.
Higher Ollies
Raising the height of your ollie demands sharper flicks and quicker pops. Focus on snapping the tail down harder while dragging your finger up the board’s edge with more force. It’s like giving your Tech Deck a strong lift-off instead of a gentle hop.
Try practicing small jumps first, then gradually aim for higher landings on rails or ledges. Have you noticed how timing your flick just right makes the board jump cleaner and higher? That split-second difference can change everything.
Ollie To Fakie
Ollie to fakie means popping the board up and landing it rolling backward. This move flips your riding direction and adds a cool flow to your lines. To nail it, land the ollie softly and keep your balance centered as you roll back.
Keep your shoulders aligned with the board’s direction to avoid catching an edge. Practicing on flat ground helps you feel the shift before trying it on rails. Can you feel how your balance needs to adjust for smooth fakie landings?
Incorporating Tricks
Once your ollie feels solid, start adding tricks like kickflips or shuvits right after the ollie pop. This combo adds style and complexity to your run. Timing is everything—your flick or spin must happen mid-air, not on the ground.
Practice each trick separately, then merge them with your ollie slowly. Watch how your finger movement changes and how the board responds. What new trick combos can you create by mixing your ollie with flips or spins?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Tech Deck Ollie?
A Tech Deck Ollie is a basic skateboarding trick performed on a miniature fingerboard. It involves popping the board into the air using your fingers. This trick is essential for learning more advanced Tech Deck moves and improves your finger control and timing.
How Do I Position My Fingers For An Ollie?
Place your index finger on the tail and your middle finger near the center. Push down with your index finger to pop the tail. Simultaneously, slide your middle finger forward to level the board in mid-air. This finger placement is key for a smooth Ollie.
How Can I Improve My Tech Deck Ollie Timing?
Practice popping the tail sharply and sliding your finger quickly. Timing is crucial to get the board airborne and level. Repeated practice enhances your finger coordination, making your Ollies higher and smoother over time.
What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid When Doing An Ollie?
Avoid pressing too lightly or too hard on the tail. Don’t forget to slide your front finger forward to level the board. Also, keep your fingers relaxed to maintain control and prevent the board from flipping unintentionally.
Conclusion
Practicing the Tech Deck ollie takes time and patience. Start slow and focus on your finger movements. Watch your board carefully as it pops and lands. Small steps lead to steady progress. Keep trying, even if you fall a few times.
Soon, the ollie will feel natural and fun. Enjoy every moment of learning this cool trick. Your skills will improve with each practice session. Stay calm and have fun with your Tech Deck.
