Why You Keep Going OTB on Jumps (And How to Stop Getting Bucked)

Why You Keep Going OTB on Jumps (And How to Stop Getting Bucked)

Jumping is one of the most fun parts of mountain biking, and also one of the easiest ways to get hurt. Never hit jumps beyond your ability, and never "send it" just because a feature is there.

If you watch crash compilations like "Friday Fails," you'll see this type of crash constantly: rider leaves the jump, the front wheel dives, and they go flying over the bars (OTB). It looks random, but most of the time it comes down to body position and timing.

In this post I'll break down why riders go OTB, the most common mistakes that cause it, and how to stop it from happening to you.

What "Going OTB" off a jump really means

Going OTB stands for "over the bars." It's when the bike rotates forward, the rear wheel kicks up, and you get pitched over the handlebars. It usually happens right as you leave the lip of the jump.

It's one of the scariest types of crashes because it happens fast and you're airborne when it starts. By the time you realize what's happening, you're already heading face-first toward the ground.

The 3 main rider mistakes that cause OTB crashes

1. Leaning back instead of staying centered

This surprises people. A lot of riders think "jump equals lean back," but leaning too far back can actually cause the front to dive as the bike leaves the lip. You want to stay centered over the bike, not way behind the saddle. If your weight is too far back and you're stiff, the bike can rotate under you and throw you forward.

2. Not absorbing the takeoff (standing tall)

If your legs are locked and you don't let the bike move up into you, the rear suspension (or rear wheel) rebounds and kicks the bike forward. You need to let the jump come to you, not stand rigid. Absorb the takeoff by staying low and letting your legs compress as the bike leaves the lip.

3. Bad timing, pulling instead of pushing

Yanking up on the bars throws your balance off. A lot of riders think they need to pull the bike into the air, but that just messes up your center of gravity. Instead, push into the lip. Let the jump do the work. Pushing gives you control. Pulling makes you a passenger.

My story: Why you need to take crashes seriously

I had a buddy in high school and we'd ride big jumps before school. One morning he went OTB so hard it was one of the worst slams I'd seen. I drove him home and he said he wanted McDonald's, so I pulled into the drive-through. He looks at me confused and goes, "Bro... I just crashed super hard. I want to go home."

That's when it hit me how disoriented big crashes can make you. After a hard slam, don't rush. Get home, rest, and pay attention to how you feel.

How to stop going OTB

Here's what actually works:

Stay low and centered into the lip. Don't lean way back. Don't stand up tall. Stay over the bike.

Let the bike come up into you. Absorb the takeoff by bending your knees and elbows. Don't fight the jump.

Push into the takeoff, don't yank. Pressing down into the lip keeps you balanced. Pulling up throws you off.

Keep eyes forward. Look where you want to land, not at the lip or the ground right in front of you.

Arms long, not locked, not T-rex. Keep your elbows bent and ready to move. Stiff arms equal stiff landings and loss of control.

Safety: Know when to stop riding

If you crash hard, especially hitting your head or going OTB, watch for concussion symptoms like confusion, headache, or dizziness. When in doubt, stop riding and get checked. I've seen too many people try to shake it off and keep going when they shouldn't.

If you're practicing jumps and working on technique, wearing knee pads and elbow pads can save you from a lot of pain. I'm not saying you need full body armor for every ride, but when you're pushing your limits on jumps, a little protection goes a long way. Something like [these knee pads] or [these elbow pads] can make a big difference.

Final thoughts

Going OTB is scary, but it's usually not random. Most of the time it comes down to body position, timing, and how you're absorbing the takeoff. Stay centered, let the bike come to you, and push into the lip instead of yanking.

If you want to dive deeper into jump technique and learn how to progress safely, check out my jumping ebook. It breaks down everything from your first small jumps to boosting with confidence.

And remember: never hit jumps beyond your ability. Progress at your own pace. The jump will still be there tomorrow.

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