How To Jump On A Skateboard
- Ed Riley
- November 30, 2022
If we talk about skateboarding tricks, jumping on a skateboard comes first. It is what you need to learn at the very beginning. Now, there are arguments that a jump while skateboarding is what you call “an ollie”. But in reality, they are far different.
Jump is a maneuver while an Ollie is a well-established trick. Allan Ollie Gelfand first performed Ollie on a ramp while skating in front of the world media in 1976. Since then, it is a trick mastered by skaters all around the world as to showcase an eye-catching performance.
On the other hand, the jump is performed on a plain surface. The method may seem similar but jump is performed when you want to skip a pothole or mud patch as well as come across a rough patch on the road mostly.
Different Steps to Jump on a Skateboard for beginners
Without much talking, let’s move to the part where we tell you how to perform an accurate skateboard jump.
Here is the method step by step:
Step 1: Finding a Location
To perform and practice jumping on the skateboard, you want a flat surface. Better avoid skating parks with a ramp or any exterior that makes the board move on its own.
Make sure the location you choose is not steep from any angle and is well balanced. A carpeted indoor skating gallery or your mowed lawn can be a great choice!
Step 2: Feet Positioning
The second step is to perfectly position your feet on the skateboard.
Let’s presume that a skater already has all basic knowledge about his dominant foot and hindfoot. For a jumping position, both feet have to face forward & straightly.
Your front foot will rest on the middle of your skateboard, just where the frontal truck hardware ends. The hindfoot will be on the tail in such a way that your heel is peeking out of the board and its shadow is aligned with the board itself. Time to roll!
Step 3: The Stance
Taking the stance before you further any trick is vital. It makes the showcasing worth contemplating as well as makes you an advanced skater with skills.
Bend your knees slightly as you are done taking the exact feet positions. Follow up with a slight leg lift for moderate balance. The knee bend plays a role in turning the rear end of the board as you jump.
Step 4: Get-Set-Go
This is when you get the readiest to jump. Press your rear foot on the tail end of the board.
Press hard enough to bounce back but not as hard to get your tail scratched. It may also not bounce back up if you put all of your weight force.
Step 5: Jump
Simply jump!
Right after your hindfoot presses the board, Straighten your legs and jump up in the air.
Step 6: Arm Raise
This is optional. It does help in balancing better but do not put yourself under pressure until you have got your basics corrected.
Try it while in the air to increase the height of your jump.
Step 7: Dropping
As gravity starts bringing you back on the ground, extend your legs to lessen dropping force on your body when you land.
Step 8: Grounding
As you touch the ground, bending your knees and keep them bent. It helps in avoiding knee injuries such as a misplaced socket etc.
A proper landing is when all four of your wheels touch the ground with a balance at the same time. Roll a little forward to stay in balance.
How to Jump on a Skateboard While Moving
An advanced version of the jump maneuver is to try it while riding your board or you are on the move. Many may say it’s an Ollie but it’s not as similar.
You may proceed through rolling on the surface. For better practice, ride a few yards and then take the stance to make a jump. Follow steps 3 & 4 of our article.
When you have finished the jump as you touch the ground, your forward force will automatically keep you rolling, luckily. Just don’t stop there and keep skating. Practice a few more times to master the art!
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Is it possible to land with your board under your feet?
Yes. The key is to keep your knees bent till the required moment to keep friction under your shoe with the board.
Generally, if your board lands on all four wheels perfectly then you will have the hold in your feet(read hands!). It also tells that your jump was perfect.
How can I respond quickly with my timing?
Timing relies on how many times the skater has exercised the jump and how precise he is at his art.
To see how the professionals perfect the timing of their jump, you may watch YouTube tutorials by slowing down for a better observation.
Which one is the right force to put on the board’s rear end?
Putting too much force on the board stop it from bouncing back up as it is the immediate next action. Putting too little force also doesn’t serve you with enough energy to bounce on.
You can try practicing with different amount of forces to find out the right amount. Do not leave behind speed as you need to be real quick while shifting from force to jump.
How to pull my board upwards with me?
When the board jumps up with you in the air, it not only looks impressive but also shows how clean of a skater you are. Besides a trick, knowing how to swipe your board in the air with you can work for avoiding potholes to mud patches on the roads. Your grip tape does all the work under your shoes in swiping up the board with you. Regularly clean the grip tape to keep if the most effective.
Final Words....
Our main goal of the article was to answer “How to perform jump on a skateboard” while answering all popular frequently asked questions regarding the same. We tried to cover all the common queries as well as problems that may arise.
The rest depends on you. Believe, build & bounce as you ride!
