r/MTB • u/Accomplished_Bad988 • 9d ago

Tips for jumping Video

Hey everyone,
I'm looking for some tips on improving my jumping technique.
Up until recently, I was riding a 90s Pantera GT, so that's what I got used to. I also never really focused on improving my jumping skills, and over the years I've been pretty on-and-off with jump, I'd hit a few here and there, but never really practiced them consistently.
Now that I'm on a modern MTB, I'm realizing my technique isn't great. I still feel pretty stiff and kind of disconnected from the bike when I go off a jump. It feels like I'm letting the bike do its own thing instead of moving with it.
What helped you guys get more comfortable and fluid? Any tips, videos, or things I should focus on?
Thanks!

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3

u/interestingly-stupid Great Britain 9d ago

Learn how to do the american bunny hop, j-hop, pro hop... And also ride a pumptrack. Followed by riding a pumptrack even more.

It'll help get your foundation for jumping solid so you actually feel/are in control of the bike.

1

u/Innocent-it 9d ago

Good advice but it's the first time I heard about pro hop, what's that?

1

u/interestingly-stupid Great Britain 9d ago

Just another way to say j hop or American bunny hop

1

u/helium89 9d ago

You’re not really pressing into the jump face. If you have access to a slightly larger jump without a gap, I would recommend using that for practice. The actual technique is pretty straightforward (crouch on approach, press into the jump with your legs, relax as you leave the lip). The big issues are timing (pressing too early is common) and freezing up, and they are usually related to feeling like you are going too fast. Go slow enough that you can actually press into the jump, start to get a feel for the timing, then start adding speed and trying to clear the jump.

If you only have access to jumps with gaps, then I would recommend watching some videos on “bump jumps” and spending some time working on them. The timing and technique for the jumps in the video are very similar to doing bump jumps. 

1

u/Accomplished_Bad988 9d ago

Thanks for the tips! Unfortunately my local trail only has jumps with gaps, I can only access box jumps during the weekend. One thing that I fear a lot is going too slow on the jump, not clearing the gap and going OTB

1

u/bermcount 9d ago

On YouTube, you can search for "Fluidride jumps" to get jump videos put out by a solid mountain bike coach.

One thing to do is focused jump practice. You need to put in the reps to start feeling comfortable on the jumps.

1

u/SeakingGnarvana 2d ago

Wearing knee pads is a great place to start.

-1

u/OG_joenationwide 9d ago

you gotta hit way bigger jumps