Jumping a mountain bike is one of the most exciting and rewarding skills to master. Whether you're hitting tabletop jumps, sending doubles, or just trying to clear a small kicker on your local trail, nailing your technique can make the difference between smooth airtime and sketchy landings. In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements of jumping so you can boost your confidence, improve your control, and send it with style!
Step 1: The Foundations – Body Position & Bike Setup
Body Position: The Key to a Controlled Takeoff before launching into the air, you need a solid stance. Here’s what to focus on:
✔ Neutral Attack Position – Knees and elbows bent, weight evenly distributed. Stay relaxed!
✔ Look Ahead – Your bike goes where your eyes go. Keep your focus on the jump’s lip and beyond.
✔ Stay Centred – Avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Your bike should feel balanced beneath you.
1.2 Bike Setup: Suspension Setup – A slightly firmer setting helps with pop. Too soft, and you’ll sink into the takeoff.
✔ Tyre Pressure – Not too lower pressures to avoid unwanted squirm on the takeoff.
✔ Pedal Choice – Flats are great for learning; clipless pedals offer more control once confident.
Step 2: The Takeoff – Generating Lift & Control The takeoff is where it all begins, and getting it right means smoother, more controlled jumps. Here’s the technique:
Preload the Bike – As you approach the jump, compress your suspension slightly by pushing into the bike. This stores energy that will help lift you off the lip.
Push Through the Lip – As the front wheel reaches the edge (lip), extend your arms and legs smoothly to guide the bike upward.
Stay Relaxed & Centred – Keep your weight balanced and avoid excessive pulling on the bars.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with getting height, focus on pumping through the takeoff instead of just trying to lift the front wheel.
Step 3: Mid-Air Control – Keep it smooth once airborne. It’s all about control. The key here is to stay calm and let the bike follow your movement.
✔ Level the Bike – If the nose dips, shift your weight slightly back. If the back kicks up, push the bars forward gently. Allow the bike to rise up under you.
✔ Spot Your Landing – Always be looking ahead to where you want to land.
✔ Stay Loose – Tensing up can make you fight the bike mid-air, leading to awkward landings.
Step 4: The Landing – Touching Down with ConfidenceA good landing ensures you roll away smoothly, ready for the next jump. Here’s how:
✔ Aim for Both Wheels Down – Landing both wheels at the same time helps maintain control.
✔ Absorb the Impact – Use your arms like suspension to soak up the landing but keep strong legs to avoid any unwanted rearward hip movement.
✔ Keep Momentum – If the landing feels rough, try staying more centred and looking further ahead.
Pro Tip: If you’re overshooting or coming up short, adjust your speed and takeoff technique accordingly. Filming yourself can be extremely useful to spot where you might be going wrong.
Common Jumping Mistakes & How to Fix Them - Looping Out (Front Wheel Too High) – Likely pulling up too hard. Focus on pushing through the takeoff instead of just yanking the bars.
Front-End Dropping – Could be caused by hesitating on the takeoff. Stay confident and commit to the jump.
Losing Balance in the Air – Usually the sign of something wrong with your approach and/or takeoff.
Progression: How to Get Better at Jumping Start Small – Find a safe, progressive jump line to build confidence. Tabletops are great for practice.
Session the Same Jump – Repetition is key. Hit the same jump multiple times to fine-tune technique.
Film Yourself – Watching back your jumps helps spot mistakes you might not feel while riding.
Ride with Others – Learning from experienced riders or getting coaching can fast-track your progress.
Ready to Take Your Jumping to the Next Level?
Jumping isn’t just about sending it—it’s about control, confidence, and progression. If you’re looking to level up your skills, book a coaching session with SkillsLoop LTD today. Our expert coaches will help you fine-tune your technique so you can jump higher, land smoother, and ride with more confidence than ever before!
Book your session now at www.skillsloop.com
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