Tabletop Talk: Mastering Flatter MTB Trick Jumps

Tabletops, those glorious sections of airtime on MTB trails, add a dose of excitement and style to your ride. But nailing that perfectly flat tabletop can feel elusive.

Fear not, shredders! This guide equips you with the knowledge and techniques to conquer jumps and achieve those envy-inducing flat landings. Adding another MTB tricks up your sleeves.

Why Flatter Tabletops? The Benefits of Style and Control

• Bragging Rights: A flat tabletop looks undeniably cool. It showcases your skill and control on the trail, leaving your riding buddies in awe (or maybe a little jealous).
• Increased Control: A flatter landing gives you more stability and control over the bike as you hit the ground, allowing you to roll away smoothly and transition into the next section of trail with ease.
• Reduced Risk: A flatter landing minimizes the impact on your suspension and wheels, potentially saving you from unnecessary wear and tear.

How to Do Flatter Tabletops: MTB Tricks

Approach the Jump

• Speed and Position: Approach the jump at a comfortable speed that allows you to stay in control. Keep your body centered over the bike with your knees slightly bent.
• Eye on the Takeoff: Focus on the takeoff point and visualize your movement through the air.

Takeoff

• Compression and Extension: As you reach the base of the jump, compress your body by bending your knees and elbows. Just before takeoff, extend your body upwards to gain lift.
• Lift the Front Wheel: Pull up slightly on the handlebars to lift the front wheel and initiate the jump.

Mid-Air Adjustment

• Lean and Twist: Once in the air, lean your body to one side and twist the handlebars in the opposite direction. This movement will start to flatten your bike. (rotate your wrist, this will prevent your elbows from locking and the handle bar hitting your chest.)
• Push Down: Simultaneously, push down on the side of the handlebars that you’re leaning towards. This helps to flatten the bike further.

Flattening the Tabletop

• Level Your Bike: As your bike starts to flatten, focus on keeping your body balanced and centered. Use your hips to guide the bike’s movement, maintaining control throughout.
• Look Ahead: Keep your eyes focused on the landing area to prepare for a smooth touchdown.

Landing

• Re-center Your Bike: As you approach the landing, begin to re-center your bike by reversing the twist and lean. Bring your handlebars and body back to a neutral position.
• Absorb the Impact: Land with your knees and elbows slightly bent to absorb the impact and maintain control.

Tips for Flatter Tabletops

1. Practice on Small Jumps: Start with smaller jumps to build confidence and refine your technique before attempting larger ones. This gradual approach helps you master the basics without overwhelming yourself.
2. Use Your Hips: Your hips play a crucial role in flattening the tabletop. Focus on using your hips to guide the bike’s movement. Engaging your hips effectively will give you better control and a more pronounced tabletop.
3. Stay Relaxed: Tension can hinder your ability to control the bike. Keep your body relaxed and fluid throughout the jump. A relaxed body allows for smoother, more controlled movements.
4. Visualize the Movement: Before attempting the jump, visualize the entire movement from takeoff to landing. This mental preparation can significantly improve your execution by helping you anticipate and react to each phase of the jump.
5. Consistent Practice: Like any skill, mastering the tabletop requires consistent practice. Dedicate time to practice regularly, focusing on gradual improvement. Consistency will help you develop muscle memory and refine your technique over time.

Common Tabletop Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Stiff Body Position:

• Mistake: Keeping your body too stiff makes it difficult to adjust the bike mid-air.
• Fix: Stay relaxed and fluid. Practice body movements off the bike to increase flexibility and control.

Poor Takeoff:

• Mistake: Not compressing or extending properly before the jump, leading to an unstable takeoff.
• Fix: Focus on your takeoff technique. Practice compressing and extending smoothly to gain better lift and control.

Not Using Hips:

• Mistake: Relying solely on the handlebars to flatten the bike results in a less effective tabletop.
• Fix: Engage your hips in the movement. Practice using your hips to guide the bike’s position in the air.

Forgetting the Feet:

• Mistake: Neglecting the knee squeeze and footwork technique can result in a nosedive or an unflat landing.
• Fix: Practice the knee squeeze and experiment with subtle footwork adjustments to find your sweet spot.

Looking Down

• Mistake: Looking down at the bike instead of focusing on the landing area.
• Fix: Keep your eyes focused on where you want to land. This helps maintain balance and prepares you for a smooth touchdown.

Bonus Tip: Practice Tabletop Moves on Your Back

To get the feel for the tabletop, try this simple exercise: lie on your back with your bike on the floor. In a riding position, you can practice the tabletop maneuver as if you were in the air. This will help you visualize and perfect your technique.

Start by rotating your wrists around the grip and pushing the handlebar in, allowing it to move freely and preventing your hands from getting locked. Drop your shoulder in to create bigger tables.

Next, focus on your hips. Drop your hips to the side and use your legs to bend your knees. Keep your knees in and use your inside leg to lift the bike, curling it up underneath you to bring the tabletop up.

Practice keeping your knees in while performing the tabletop, allowing your top foot to bend over your top tube. Your bottom leg should cushion the frame, pulling the bike up underneath you for flatter tables.

By practicing these movements on your back, you’ll develop muscle memory and improve your tabletop technique for when you’re actually riding. This exercise helps you understand the dynamics of the tabletop and prepares you for executing it smoothly on the trails.

Conquer the Tabletop: Tips for Flawless MTB Jumps

Stomp those jumps and impress your riding buddies with flawless, flat tabletops! This guide dives deep into the world of MTB tabletops, teaching you the tricks and techniques needed to conquer them. I hoped you learned everything from proper body position and takeoff to mid-air adjustments and a smooth landing. No more nosedives or sketchy landings—master the art of the tabletop and shred trails with confidence!

Ready to take your jumps to the next level? Grab your bike, hit the trails, and put these tabletop tips into action! Was it scary for you the first time you tried the tabletop? What was it like the first time you nailed it? How many tricks do you know so far? Share your progress in the comments below—let us know what tricks you’re working on next! Your stories and tips might just inspire other riders. Let’s shred those trails together!