One Smooth Move (4 page)

Charlie and X looked at each other and started laughing. The other kids joined in.

“No, Dad, no problem at all!” Still laughing, Charlie grabbed his board and yelled, “Last one to the skatepark is a nostril
slug!”

Do you already know how to ride a skateboard? If so, you may be ready to learn the first basic trick of skateboarding: the
ollie. When you do an ollie, your board pops up underneath you. All four wheels clear the pavement as you and your board catch
air. This jump is the basis for most skateboarding tricks. Before you can learn any other trick, you should master the ollie.

The best way to learn to do an ollie is to have someone who already knows how to do it show you. Otherwise, you can follow
the steps on the next page. With practice and patience, you should get the hang of it!
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Step one:
Stand on your board and jump, landing with both feet back on the board. Be careful the skateboard doesn’t shoot out from
under you. This first step seems simple, but it requires balance and concentration. Once you feel comfortable with these jumps,
move on to the next step.

Step two:
Put your right foot on the tail, or back end, of the board. Put your left foot near the center but closer to the tail than
the nose, or front end, of the board. You’re now in ollie position.

Step three:
To do the ollie, you have to do three things at the same time. 1) Stamp down on the tail with your right foot; 2) Slide your
left foot forward toward the nose; and 3) Jump into the air. If you can do all three simultaneously—and land safely with both
feet on the board—you can do an ollie!

#1
ONE SMOOTH MOVE

#2
DAY OF THE DRAGON

#3
ROLLER HOCKEY RUMBLE

#4
ON THIN ICE

TH
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TR
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T
eam #1

ONE SMOOTH MOVE

Illustrated by Michael Koelsch

C
harlie Abbott is the new kid in town-again. He and his parents have moved eight times in the past ten years. He hates everything
about moving, especially trying to make new friends. Then he meets a kid named X who shares his love of skateboarding. Together,
they practice their moves at the fabulous town skatepark. But soon everything falls apart. First, Charlie’s skateboard vanishes
from his garage. Then, X starts avoiding him-and riding around on a skateboard that looks just like Charlie’s! Is Charlie’s
new life about to become a disaster?

Matt Christopher is the name behind the sports series for young readers. The latest series, The Extreme Team, showcases a
different kind of sport-the fast-growing individual activities known as sports, including skateboarding, inline skating, snowboarding,
rock climbing, and more. Check it out!

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Remember, always wear your helmet and safety gear whenever skateboarding!