Conquer Drops like a pro!

dkmarnold08
Jul 1
3 min read

Updated: Jul 14

Whether you're just starting to lift your wheels or eyeing bigger features on your local trail, mastering mountain bike drops is a pivotal step in leveling up your riding game. Drops can be intimidating—but with the right mindset, technique, and practice, you’ll soon be hitting them with confidence and control.

Here’s how to break down the process and conquer drops like a pro.

1. Understand What a Drop Is

A "drop" is any section of trail where the terrain falls away, leaving a vertical or near-vertical descent. This could be anything from a natural ledge to a man-made feature. What separates drops from jumps is that the landing is usually lower than the takeoff, and you often need to drop into the space rather than launch off it.

2. Start Small—Build Up

Don’t rush to the biggest drop on the trail. Start with a curb, a small ledge, or a designated beginner drop on a skills park. Focus on clean technique and body position. Confidence comes from repetition, and repetition comes from scaling your practice.

3. Dial in Your Body Position

Success on drops comes from staying balanced and neutral. Here's how:

Attack Position: Feet level, elbows bent, chest low, eyes forward.
Centered Weight: Don’t lean too far back or forward—keep your weight slightly behind center as you approach the lip.
Look Ahead: Your bike goes where your eyes go. Look where you want to land, not at the drop itself.

4. The “Push” Technique

As you reach the edge of the drop, you want to push the bike forward and slightly down with your arms and legs. Think of it as extending the bike into the landing zone rather than pulling up or doing nothing. This motion helps maintain traction and smoothens your landing.

5. Don’t Just Ride Off

Rolling off a drop without technique is one of the fastest ways to crash. You'll either nose-dive or get bucked by the rear wheel. The key is to actively compress and extend—like a mini bunny hop without leaving the ground beforehand.

6. Commitment Is Everything

Half-sending a drop is worse than not trying. Once you're lined up and ready, trust your body and commit. Fear can make you freeze, so breathing, visualization, and practicing on smaller features help train your brain for the real thing.

7. Practice Safe Progression

Wear proper protection: helmet (full-face for bigger drops), knee/elbow pads, and gloves.
Practice with a buddy or in a controlled environment like a bike park.
Use features with well-maintained landings.

8. Learn from Mistakes and Watch the Pros

Review footage of yourself (or have a friend film you) and look for ways to improve. Watching pro riders can also give you a sense of timing and technique. Pay attention to how smoothly they transition off the lip, where they look, and how they land.

Final Thoughts

Mountain bike drops are a rite of passage—they can feel scary at first, but with practice and a methodical approach, they become thrilling challenges rather than intimidating obstacles. Focus on technique, stay patient with your progression, and always ride within your limits.

Soon enough, you’ll be floating off drops with flow and finesse.

See you in the air. 🏞️🚴‍♂️

Coach Levi loves helping others gain confidence in their skills!