Author(s): KORNFEIND, P., KÖSTLER, G.1, KAUFMANN, P.2, KORNFEIND, P.1, BACA, A.1, Institution: CENTRE FOR SPORT SCIENCE AND UNIVERSITY SPORTS, UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA, Country: AUSTRIA, Abstract-ID: 2335

INTRODUCTION:
The Ollie is a fundamental skateboarding skill requiring vertical board displacement without external support. While lower limb power is assumed to influence performance, movement specific technique and board control are likely to play an additional role. Previous research has mainly focused on general jump capacity, whereas the interaction between force production and board specific coordination remains unclear [1,3]. This study aimed to identify kinetic and kinematic determinants of Ollie height and to examine inter individual technique strategies.
METHODS:
Eight male skaters (26.8 +/- 0.9 y, 178.1 +/- 7.2 cm, 70.9 +/- 8.7 kg) performed countermovement jumps (CMJ), single leg jumps (SLJ) and standing Ollies on two force plates. Reflective markers (29 body, 4 skateboard) were recorded using a 12-camera motion capture system. Five Ollies per participant were analysed (n = 40). Ollie height was defined as peak rear axle elevation. Ground reaction forces were recorded to characterise the kinetic time-structure of the Ollie [2]. Statistical modelling focused on kinematic determinants of board motion, including rear-axle vertical take-off velocity, pop timing (front-to-rear axle lift), pitch angular velocity, levelling time and countermovement depth, as these variables directly determine achieved board height. Relationships were analysed using correlations, linear mixed effects modelling and hierarchical clustering.
RESULTS:
Mean Ollie height was 61.2 +/- 15.1 cm. CMJ height correlated moderately with Ollie height (r = 0.52), while SLJ performance showed foot specific relationships (rear foot r = 0.57, front foot r = 0.41). Rear axle take off velocity showed the strongest association with Ollie height (r = 0.82). Shorter pop time was related to greater height (r = -0.64), while longer levelling duration showed a positive relationship (r = 0.58). Mixed effects modelling confirmed rear axle velocity and pop timing as primary predictors of within subject variance, whereas individual performance level accounted for much of the variation between skaters. Cluster analysis revealed three technique profiles differing in temporal coordination and board control strategies.
CONCLUSION:
Ollie height is influenced by both general jump capacity and movement specific coordination. While CMJ and SLJ performance contribute to achievable height, rear axle velocity and temporal coupling of the pop and levelling phases appear to be key performance determinants. The presence of distinct technique strategies indicates that comparable performance outcomes can be achieved through different movement solutions. Training should therefore integrate strength and power development with technique specific coordination.
References
[1] Schilling D et al. (2014). Cinergis, 15(1): 34-38.
[2] Frederick EC et al. (2006). Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 22(1): 33–42.
[3] Candotti CT et al. (2012). Revista Brasileira De Ciências Do Esporte, 34(3): 697–711.