Becoming a Better Jumper

Becoming a Better Jumper

By Daniel Blair

Today we’re talking about how to become a better jumper. Imagine one day you’re lined up at the gate for your first Supercross Futures race. There are huge jumps, triples, and rhythm sections you’ve never seen before, and guess what? You’re going to need to handle all of them! But where do you stand right now in your jumping journey? Let’s dive in and figure that out.

Three Types of Jumpers

First, let’s think about the different kinds of jumpers you might see at the track:

1. Instinctual Jumpers: These riders make jumping look easy. From the moment they hit the track, they’re jumping everything, no problem. For some reason, they just get it—how to read the track, how to manage the bike in the air. If you’re not one of these kids, don’t worry! They usually have an advantage early on, especially when it comes to lap times, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be the best when it really matters.
   
2. Race-Ready Jumpers: These kids are where you want to be. They might not jump everything right away, but by race time, they can do all the jumps on the track, and they do it well. They know how to analyze the track, make smart decisions, and execute the jumps perfectly when it counts.
   
3. Fearful Jumpers: This is where some kids get stuck. They might be scared to jump because of a bad experience or an injury. If this is you, it’s okay! It’s normal to have some fear, but you’ll grow out of it with time. Just be patient and take it step by step.

Where Are You Now?

Now, take a moment and think about where you are. Are you the instinctual jumper, the race-ready rider, or someone who’s still a little scared? It’s totally fine to be in any of those categories! The goal is to improve, and that’s what we’re going to focus on in this lesson. No matter where you are now, you’ll get to where you need to be with the right approach.

How to Approach New Jumps and Tracks

When you go to a new track, it’s important to approach it carefully. There will be jumps and obstacles that you’ve never seen before, so you need to handle them the right way.

Step 1: Start with the Easy Jumps

On your first lap, don’t worry about the big jumps. Focus on the easy ones first. Nail those right away so that you can check them off your list. Once you’ve mastered the easy jumps, you can start thinking about the bigger ones.

Step 2: Speed Before Big Jumps

You might be itching to hit those big jumps, but hold off for a bit. Instead, focus on your speed and technique. Rip through the corners, get comfortable with the rhythm of the track, and then go back and attack those big jumps. Your speed will give you an advantage over others who are still figuring things out.

Step 3: The Big Jumps

Once you’ve got the speed dialed in and you’re comfortable, go for the big jumps. Take your time and don’t rush into them. Watch the other riders, learn from them, and then go for it when you feel ready.

Step 4: Multiple Lines

When you’ve conquered the big jumps, start practicing on different lines. Do the same big jump from different angles, left and right. This makes you more flexible during a race when you need to change your approach.

The Sweet Spot: Being Race-Ready

The goal is to be in that sweet spot where you can do every jump on the track with confidence. To get there, you need to be able to gauge, compute, and execute. In other words, you need to be able to analyze a jump, figure out what you need to do to clear it, and then go out and do it. This takes courage, but it’s a skill that every great jumper has.

Patience is Key: Don’t Rush

If you’re feeling scared or unsure, don’t worry. Everyone goes through this. It might take some time, but you’ll get there! Some kids jump early, some jump later—it’s okay to go at your own pace. The key is to keep practicing and keep building your confidence. Jump a little more each day, but be patient with yourself.

How to Handle Fear

If you’re afraid to jump, don’t stress. This can happen after a bad crash or injury. The good news is, most kids get over this fear with time and practice. If you’re struggling, take a break from jumps and focus on your other riding skills, like corners and braking. When you’re ready, you’ll get back to jumping.

Tips for New Tracks and Big Jumps

When you’re at your first big race or heading to a track with jumps you’ve never done before, follow this strategy:

1. Track Walk: Before riding, take a walk around the track. Look at all the jumps and obstacles. Find the easy ones and make sure you understand the layout.
   
2. Don’t Rush the Big Jumps: Focus on getting your speed and technique right first. You’ll have plenty of time to work on the big jumps later.
   
3. Practice on a Private Track: If you can, spend some time practicing on a private track. It’s a great place to try new jumps without distractions.
   
4. Supercross Track: If you have access to a small Supercross track, get on it early! Even if it’s just for small jumps, it’ll help you build the skills and confidence you need for bigger jumps later.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a great jumper takes time, and it’s a long process. But don’t rush it. Keep practicing, stay patient, and make sure you approach jumping with respect and caution. Whether you’re jumping on a 50cc bike or a 250, you’ll get there one jump at a time. Remember, every rider in Supercross starts the same way—you just need to keep pushing and building those skills!