Next Level Jumping
Posted on 3rd May 2025 at 16:16
Jumping is one of the most sought-after skills in mountain biking—and it’s only growing in popularity.
Let’s face it: if a trail gets built in the UK these days, chances are it’s going to have jumps.
Riders love them. In fact, the trails that see the most action are usually the ones stacked with jump lines. It’s no surprise, then, that jumping is one of the most requested skills we see at Pro Ride.
There seem to be two types of riders—those who avoid jumps altogether and those who are totally hooked and always looking to progress.
This guide is for the second group: the jump addicts who already feel confident in the air but want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to go higher, ride smoother, or add some style, here’s how to level up your jumping game.
Nail The Basics
As with any sport, mastering the fundamentals is the key to real progression. Even experienced riders can benefit from revisiting the basics—and often, they’re the fastest way to unlock new levels of performance.
The two most important fundamentals in jumping are timing and pushing (not pulling).
• Timing: Try to take off from the very top of the lip rather than halfway up. This makes your jump more efficient and gives you better control.
• Pushing: Focus on pushing through your legs and arms rather than pulling the bike up underneath you. Think about extending your body to generate lift—like a spring releasing energy.
Getting More Height
Who doesn’t want more airtime? The two main factors that limit height are fear and technique.
Start by gradually building your confidence. Each time you go slightly higher, your fear reduces and your technique improves.
The key to more height? Get the front wheel up.
• Drive your hips forward as you take off—think “deadlift” posture.
• Add more pop by pushing harder through your legs as you reach the lip.
The higher the front goes, the more room there is for the back end to follow. It’s all about commitment and proper body extension
Add Some Style
Let’s be honest—throwing some style into a jump feels amazing. And right now, the whip is the go-to move for riders. But here’s the thing: a forced whip often looks worse than a clean, straight air. So rule number one? Don’t force it.
There are a few ways to bring the back end around:
• Use momentum by turning off the lip at takeoff.
• Use your arms and legs to push the bike sideways.
No matter how you do it, keep control. Your head and shoulders should continue pointing forward to help you bring the bike back straight for landing. Style should always come with control.
Feel, Don't Think
When you’re first learning to jump, thinking through every movement is part of the process. But as you progress, your goal should shift to feeling the bike and the trail.
Jumping is really about pushing into the lip at the right time to get the bike to “pop”.
Start tuning into the feedback from the takeoff and from your bike. Learn how different pressure, body position, and timing affect your jump—and build an instinct for making those micro-adjustments without overthinking.
Build Rythm
Often overlooked, rhythm is what separates smooth, flowing jump lines from choppy, awkward ones. And it’s one of the most useful skills you can develop—especially for downhill racing, where maintaining speed is crucial.
Rhythm is about using the landing to generate speed—not just surviving the jump.
Here’s how to practice:
• Find a section with multiple jumps in a row.
• Ride it without pedalling—come in slower than usual to make it harder.
• Aim to land at the top of each landing, with the front wheel touching down first.
• Follow by bringing the rear wheel down and pumping through the landing to gain speed.
Mastering rhythm will massively improve your speed, control, and confidence on any trail.
Ready to Take Your Jumping to the Next Level?
If you're already comfortable in the air and want to boost your technique, style, and control, these tips will help you make that next step.
Remember—progression doesn’t come from going bigger every time; it comes from refining your skills and building awareness with every jump.
We have some Jump 2.0 courses happening soon, so have a look and grab a space if you want some support with jumping.
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