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3 Common Jump Landing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Struggling with harsh or sketchy landings on jumps? Learn the three most common mistakes riders make when touching down — leaning back too far, getting too stiff, and going nose heavy — plus simple tips to stay balanced and smooth every time.

10/5/20253 min read

Mountain biker leaning too far back mid-air, about to land rear wheel first on a dirt jump — risk of
Mountain biker leaning too far back mid-air, about to land rear wheel first on a dirt jump — risk of

3 Common Landing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Landing a jump cleanly is one of the most important (and confidence-building) mountain bike skills you can learn. Most sketchy crashes don’t happen in the air they happen when your wheels hit the ground. If you can stay balanced and smooth on impact, you’ll ride away safer and with way more control.

Below are three of the biggest mistakes riders make when landing, what can go wrong, and how to fix them. Each section has a spot where you can drop in a screenshot from your video so readers can visualize the mistake and the correct form.

1. Landing Too Rear-Heavy (Leaning Back)

It’s normal — and even good — for your rear wheel to touch down just before your front. That slight rear-first touch acts like a safety net, keeping your bars from diving. But the mistake is when your whole upper body is leaned way back and you’re basically hanging off the rear wheel. That’s when the bike can buck you forward as the front end slaps down.

How to fix it:

  • Aim for a slight rear-wheel bias, not an exaggerated wheelie position. Keep your hips just behind the saddle but your chest still low and balanced.

  • Spot your landing and push the front end down just enough so both wheels settle almost together.

  • Bend your knees and elbows to absorb the impact and let the bike move underneath you.

2. Getting Stiff / “Dead Sailor”

Locking up and freezing mid-air is super common when you’re nervous. Your bike will feel like it’s flying without you and can drift or tilt unexpectedly.

How to fix it:

  • Stay loose and relaxed all the way off the lip. Keep your knees and elbows bent and ready to move.

  • Keep your eyes forward looking down too soon can cause panic and stiffness.

  • Think “hover over the bike” rather than clamping to it.

3. Nose-Heavy Landings (Too Far Forward

Coming in nose-heavy is one of the quickest ways to crash, your fork can dive and throw you over. This usually happens if you push too far forward on the lip or shift weight mid-air.

How to fix it:

  • As you take off, keep your chest low but hips back enough that you’re balanced.

  • Don’t push the bars forward aggressively; let the bike float under you.

  • Slightly lean back if you feel the nose dropping but avoid yanking too hard (that can cause mistake #1).

Bonus: Correct Neutral Landing Position

Ideally, you want to land with your weight centered, elbows and knees bent, and your torso low. Both wheels should touch down close to the same time (rear just before front is fine). This lets your arms and legs act as suspension and keeps the bike stable.

Final Thoughts

Mastering landings is less about going huge and more about body position and staying relaxed. Practice on smaller jumps until the movement feels automatic. Once you’re comfortable, progress gradually to bigger hits.

📹 Watch the full breakdown in my YouTube video — I show each mistake and how to correct it in real time.
📘 Want to fast-track your jump skills? Check out my MTB Jumping Ebook for step-by-step drills and progression tips.

Mountain biker leaning too far back mid-air, about to land rear wheel first on a dirt jump — risk of
Mountain biker leaning too far back mid-air, about to land rear wheel first on a dirt jump — risk of
Rider frozen and stiff over a jump, bike flat in the air — showing dead sailor posture
Rider frozen and stiff over a jump, bike flat in the air — showing dead sailor posture
Mountain biker pitched forward and nose heavy on a jump landing, risk of front wheel dive
Mountain biker pitched forward and nose heavy on a jump landing, risk of front wheel dive
Proper neutral jump landing — rider level in the air with balanced body position and smooth bike ang
Proper neutral jump landing — rider level in the air with balanced body position and smooth bike ang