Ollie a gap
Practice doing an ollie to jump a small gap on a skateboard while wearing safety gear, learning foot placement, popping technique, and controlled landing.
About this activity
Practice doing an ollie to jump a small gap on a skateboard while wearing safety gear, learning foot placement, popping technique, and controlled landing.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Put on your helmet and fasten the strap so it fits snugly.
- 2
Step 2
Put on your knee pads elbow pads and wrist guards and make sure each one is snug.
- 3
Step 3
Place your skateboard on a flat smooth surface so you have a safe practice area.
- 4
Step 4
Give the board a gentle push with your hand to make sure the wheels roll smoothly.
- 5
Step 5
Use masking tape or chalk to mark two lines about 6 inches apart to make a small gap to jump.
- 6
Step 6
Step onto the board with your back foot on the tail and your front foot just behind the front bolts in an ollie stance.
- 7
Step 7
Practice popping the tail while standing still by pressing your back foot hard on the tail and letting it snap down.
- 8
Step 8
Practice sliding your front foot forward toward the nose while stationary to feel how the board levels in the air.
- 9
Step 9
Take one small push to roll slowly toward the taped gap so you have gentle speed.
- 10
Step 10
When you reach the gap pop the tail quickly with your back foot.
- 11
Step 11
Immediately slide your front foot forward and slightly upward to level the board in the air.
- 12
Step 12
Land with both feet over the bolts bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away calmly.
- 13
Step 13
Share a short video or description of your ollie practice and what you learned on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you practice an ollie to jump a small gap on a skateboard?
Start by learning a steady ollie on flat ground. Place your back foot on the tail and your front foot near the middle of the board. Bend your knees, pop the tail down and jump upward while sliding the front foot toward the nose to level the deck. Tuck your knees to clear the gap, then extend and land on both bolts with knees bent to absorb impact. Practice small gaps, then increase distance gradually with adult supervision.
What materials and safety gear do I need to practice an ollie over a gap?
You’ll need a properly sized skateboard with good grip tape and tight trucks, sturdy closed-toe or skate shoes, and a smooth practice area. Essential safety gear includes a properly fitted helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads. Optional helpful items: a flat transition or low curb to start, chalk or tape to mark the gap, and an adult spotter. Check equipment for damage before each session.
What ages is practicing an ollie over a small gap suitable for?
Practicing ollies is generally suitable for children around 6–12 years old who have basic balance and board control, but readiness varies. Younger kids can learn popping and foot placement on stationary boards first. Always use helmet and pads, and have adult supervision. Progress at the child’s pace—only attempt gaps when they can consistently ollie on flat ground and feel confident rolling and landing safely.
What safety tips and benefits should I know when teaching an ollie over a gap?
Benefits include improved balance, coordination, confidence and spatial awareness. For safety: always wear full protective gear, start on flat ground and small gaps, inspect the board and surface, and progress slowly. Teach kids to look forward, keep weight centered, and bend knees on landing. Practice with an experienced adult nearby and avoid busy or uneven surfaces. Stop if the child feels uncomfortable or in pain.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we can't find masking tape, knee pads, or wrist guards?
If you don't have masking tape, use chalk to mark the 6‑inch gap, and for knee/elbow/wrist guards use thick socks or folded towels as temporary padding but never skip the helmet.
My ollie keeps failing — the board won't pop or level in the air; what should I try?
Check step 4 by giving the board a gentle push to ensure the wheels roll smoothly, then practice step 6 pressing the back foot hard on the tail and step 7 sliding your front foot forward while stationary before attempting the moving ollie in step 9.
How should I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult hold their shoulder and shrink the taped gap to about 3–4 inches while focusing on stationary pops (step 6) and slow rolls (step 9), whereas older kids can widen the taped gap past 6 inches and practice with slightly more speed.
How can we extend or personalize the ollie practice once we can land it?
To progress and personalize, decorate the board, add colored tape targets for landing over the bolts, increase the taped gap by one inch after several clean landings, and use step 12 to record short videos to review form.