3 Common Jumping Mistakes Mountain Bikers Make

3 Common Jumping Mistakes Mountain Bikers Make

Whether you're new to jumping or just trying to improve your air time, understanding the mental and physical mistakes most riders make can help you progress faster—and safer. Here are three of the most common jumping mistakes I see (and have made myself), plus how to avoid them.

1. Leaning Too Far Forward on the Takeoff

One of the biggest mistakes new jumpers make is leaning too far over the bars as they leave the lip. This causes your front wheel to dip, which can easily lead to a nose-dive landing or even an endo over the bars. Make sure your weight stays centered over the bike—not too far forward, not too far back.

2. Leaning Too Far Back on the Takeoff

This is the opposite problem, but just as dangerous. When you lean too far back off the takeoff, your front end can rise too high, and you risk looping out mid-air. This often ends in a crash or sketchy landing. Keep your body neutral and balanced through the takeoff to stay in control.

3. Being Too Stiff in the Air

Staying stiff in the air is what causes "dead sailor" jumps—where you lose control of your posture and can’t react properly. This can lead to crooked landings, washouts, or just an awkward, unstable jump. You want to be loose and relaxed in the air—let the bike move underneath you and stay fluid.

Bonus: A Clean Jump

Here’s an example of solid body position. Notice the relaxed knees, neutral balance, and controlled style in the air. That’s the result of correcting the three mistakes above—getting centered, confident, and flowing with the bike instead of fighting it.

Final Tip:

Everyone makes these mistakes at some point. The key is to recognize them, fix them one at a time, and keep practicing. Jumping is as much a mental game as it is physical. Take your time, stay safe, and ride at your own pace.