KING OF POP; HOW TO GET MORE POP OUT OF YOUR OLLIES

Posted on 15 April 2025
By George Stix
Posted in KINGOFPOP, OLLIES
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The ollie is the backbone of modern skateboarding. Whether you're just learning or you've been skating for years, improving your pop can take your skating to the next level. More pop means higher ollies, better control, and access to a wider variety of tricks. Here's a deep dive into what pop is, why it matters, and how you can start maximizing it today.

1. What Is Pop, Really?

Pop is the explosive snap that launches your board into the air when you perform an ollie. It's a combination of how hard you slam your tail into the ground and how quickly you jump upward while leveling the board. It’s not just about slamming—it’s about timing, mechanics, and body control.

2. The Role of Your Tail

A crisp, solid pop starts with a good tail. If your board has razor tail or a soggy tail, you're already at a disadvantage. A sharp, solid tail with fresh edges provides a strong rebound when it hits the ground, resulting in better upward energy.

3. Board Setup Matters

Everything from your deck size to your bushings affects your pop. A stiffer board with a medium concave tends to give better leverage. Tight trucks give more response when popping, while too-loose trucks can absorb energy and kill pop. Dialing in your setup is crucial.

4. Foot Positioning 101

Your back foot should sit squarely on the tail's pocket—not too far back, not too far forward. Your front foot should rest just behind the front bolts, angled slightly for control. Small changes in foot placement can mean big differences in height and balance.

5. Slam That Tail

You don’t need to stomp, but you do need to snap the tail down quickly and firmly. The pop comes from that fast, downward motion—your tail should smack the ground before your board starts rising.

6. The Jump Is Just As Important

Don’t forget: the ollie is half pop, half jump. You need to leap up while the board is responding to the tail smack. Jump straight up, not forward. The more explosive your jump, the more air you’ll get.

7. Slide That Front Foot

As soon as your tail hits the ground, start sliding your front foot up toward the nose. This motion levels the board and brings it upward. Your foot should drag up with force—don’t just lift it.

8. Timing Is Everything

The magic of the ollie is all in the timing. Pop too early and your board stays on the ground. Jump too late and it slips out. The coordination of pop, jump, and foot slide must be dialed in together. Practice in slow motion, then build up speed.

9. Core Strength and Balance

More pop isn't just about legs—it’s about balance. Strengthening your core helps you stay centered over the board. Exercises like planks, squats, and yoga improve your pop by giving you more control in the air.

10. Flexibility Helps

Tight hips, hamstrings, and ankles limit your jumping range. Stretch regularly so you can extend and contract quickly. Increased flexibility allows for a more explosive motion and better board leveling.

11. Use Your Arms

Your upper body matters. Swing your arms upward during the ollie to add momentum to your jump. It helps lift your body, and in turn, your board. Think of it like a full-body explosion.

12. Commit to Every Pop

Half-hearted ollies get half-hearted results. Commit to every attempt. Snap, jump, and slide with purpose—even when you’re just warming up. Confidence creates consistency.

13. Analyze and Adjust

Film your ollies and watch them frame by frame. Look at where your feet are, how much your board pops, and whether you're staying centered. Making micro-adjustments from video feedback can quickly level up your ollie game.

14. Respect the Ground You’re On

Rough ground kills speed and dampens pop. Practice on smooth concrete or clean skatepark floors. Slower surfaces absorb impact and stop you from getting that explosive snap.

15. Practice Makes Pop

At the end of the day, more pop comes from more reps. Do 100 ollies in a session. Try them stationary. Try them moving. Ollie onto curbs, off ledges, over cracks. Push yourself to pop higher with every one. You’ll be amazed how much your technique improves over time.

Final Word: Pop isn’t magic—it’s mechanics, mindset, and muscle memory. Master the basics, build your strength, and don’t be afraid to tweak your setup until it works for you. Because once you’ve got pop, you’ve got power. And with power, you can take your skating anywhere.

Stix SGV has proudly served the San Gabriel Valley skateboarding community since the late ‘90s. With three locations across Los Angeles County, we’ve been deeply rooted in the local scene. Our Monrovia shop has been a staple since 1997, followed by our Claremont location in 2014, and our South Pasadena shop opening its doors in 2022. Our mission has always been simple: to uphold skateboarding culture and stay true to our community.