TECHNIQUE
Becoming an airtime expert is within reach of everyone; you just need the right position and timing
PART 1
L earninghow to jump is usually top of every mountain bikers wish-list of skills. Not only does it look cool, but it feels amazing – when it goes well!
Over the next few months we’re going to look at different ways of controlling jumps and when to deploy each technique to achieve a different outcome. By having a better understanding of what you’re trying to achieve in each case, you can practise the relevant skills that will allow the bigger, scarier bits to fall into place. Sound good? Read on to discover how practising easier, more accessible techniques will unlock better jumping.
The three main skills we’ll look at in each issue will be: how to jump with confidence, how to absorb the jump in order to stay low, and how to boost the jump to create more height and distance. We’ll break each of these skills down into an initial foundational level that will allow you to unlock the second part - the main jumping technique - then we’ll look at how mastering that technique will apply to the trail.
THE COACH ANDY BARLOW
Before joining Dirt School Andy liked to win things – races like the Scottish XC Champs and the Scottish Downhill Champs.
Since 2009, though, he’s coached some of the world’s best riders with Dirt School and helped bring on the BASE MTB course at Borders College in the Tweed Valley.
But what Andy really likes to do is communicate those pro techniques to everyday riders.
JUMPING WITH CONFIDENCE
When you see a rider jumping properly it looks exhilarating. One second they are cruising in with confidence, and the next second they are exploding off into the air. It looks exciting, and the trap here is to think that when you try it yourself, it should feel exciting. In truth, jumping with control is about making the take-off as consistent and predictable as possible, and the airtime that looks so exciting from the outside should actually feel easy in the doing.
BRIEF INSIGHT
The secret to this control is to start low and as the jump starts pushing into you, to balance this force by driving your weight back against it with your legs.
If you time this right, the weight of the whole take-off will become predictable and your airtime will feel smooth and controlled. No pulling in the air. No scary rotation forwards. Just a smooth trajectory that feels effortless and easy.
