🚵♂️ MTB Jumps for Beginners – Jump Types and Training Guide
MTB jumps for beginners open the door to one of the most exciting and challenging parts of riding a mountain bike.
Learning how to jump a mountain bike means combining technique, a sense of balance and courage with an understanding of the physics and bike control involved in flight. In this guide we'll go through the types of MTB jumps, how to start your beginner training, and which mistakes to avoid.
🟢 Why learn to jump?
Whether you ride enduro, downhill or a trail bike, even basic MTB jumps for beginners let you:
control the bike better in technical sections of the trail,
clear obstacles without slowing down,
gain confidence and flow in your riding,
enjoy it more and progress faster.
Bike Park Evolution on Ilinjača has jump sections of different difficulty, perfect for learning the basic techniques — from table jumps to drops and step-ups. (View the trails)
🟡 Types of MTB jumps
Among MTB jumps for beginners, the features differ in shape, speed and height. Start with smaller, stable features before moving on to more aggressive lines.
1️⃣ Tabletop
The safest type of jump, because it has a flat surface between the takeoff and the landing. Ideal for learning takeoff and landing technique.
👉 Focus: balance in the air, a slight pull on the front wheel, a controlled landing.
2️⃣ Double (gap jump)
It has an empty gap between the takeoff and the landing. It demands more speed and precision.
👉 Only recommended once you've mastered tabletop jumps.
3️⃣ Step-up
The takeoff is lower than the landing ramp – great for developing a feel for vertical movement and control in the air.
👉 Excellent for working on pulling the bike up and feeling the "float" moment.
4️⃣ Step-down
The opposite of a step-up – the landing is lower. It's used on natural trails and in enduro sections like Roller Coaster Trail in Evolution Park.
👉 Focus: body balance and quick preparation for the next obstacle.
5️⃣ Drop
A jump without a takeoff ramp – only the landing. It can be natural (rock, root, ledge) or built.
👉 Always ridden with your body weight centred and with control over the front wheel. For more detail, see our drop-off technique guide.
6️⃣ Natural pop / bunny hop jump
You use the terrain (a roller, root or rock) to pop off the ground without a ramp.
👉 The foundation of every MTB technique, especially useful on trails such as Deep Forest and Katera Trail.
🔵 Beginner training – step by step
1. Start on flat ground
Practise the "bunny hop" on grass or a flat trail. The goal is to learn to lift the front and rear wheel off the ground using your body weight, not arm strength.
2. Work on your speed
Most beginners get the speed wrong, either too much or too little.
👉 Practise finding the "sweet spot" – enough speed for the takeoff to carry you through the jump, but not so much that you lose control.
3. Learn body position
Your body should be in the central zone of the bike, with elbows and knees slightly bent and your eyes looking ahead – not at the wheel.
4. Use safety gear
Always wear a helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads. For your first attempts, a full-face helmet and torso protection are recommended.
5. Film your training
Short video clips will help you spot mistakes in your position and landing. In training sessions at Evolution Park we often use GoPro motion analysis.
🧠 Most common beginner mistakes
❌ Too much weight on the front wheel when landing
❌ Pulling the bike up too late in the jump
❌ Fear that leads to stiffness
❌ Landing with both wheels flat
❌ Not enough speed – the bike "drops" before the landing
Tip: Always practise with a more experienced rider or a coach. At Evolution Bike Park we often organise bike park jump training for beginner and intermediate riders, with guided technique work and analysis.
🗺️ Jump Zone in Bike Park Evolution
📍 Location: Ilinjača, East Sarajevo
🗺️ Waymark trail map
🎥 Watch the video: Roller Coaster Jump Section
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Jumps in MTB Training
How do I know I'm ready for my first jump?
When you can bunny hop without trouble and have good bike control at higher speeds.
Are MTB jumps dangerous?
Every sport carries some risk, but with good technique and protective gear the risk is minimal.
Which tires are best for jump training?
A medium tread profile and reinforced sidewalls (e.g. Maxxis Minion DHR II, Schwalbe Big Betty).
How often should I train jumps?
1–2 times a week is enough, alongside technical rides and balance exercises.
🧭 Conclusion
MTB jumps for beginners aren't just a trick – they're an important part of MTB technique. Every well-executed jump means more control, confidence and fun. Learn gradually, practise regularly and remember – the best jump is the one that ends with a smile and a safe landing.
Preparing for your first MTB jumps: gear, bike and trail
Safe MTB jumps for beginners start before you leave the ground. Go through this checklist before your first attempt.
- Helmet and protection: a full-face helmet, gloves, and knee and elbow pads are recommended for the bike park.
- Bike: check the brakes, wheel tightness, tire pressure and saddle (our 10-minute pre-ride bike check covers it); wrong pressure changes your landing.
- Trail: look at the jump and the landing, judge your speed and make sure the area is clear.
- Speed: start with smaller jumps and a constant speed; sudden movements ruin your balance.
- Landing: pedals level, weight balanced, elbows and knees bent to absorb the impact.
Practice plan for MTB jumps
- First practise the bunny hop on flat ground.
- Then move on to small pebbles and roots, followed by a small table jump.
- Only when the table jump feels safe, progress to bigger jumps and drops.
Finish every session with a stretch and a bike check. MTB jumps for beginners are easy to practise at Bike Park Evolution, which has sections of different difficulty; read more on the Bike Park Evolution page and in our guide to cycling school for kids. Get your bike ready at our bike service. For a deeper dive, read our MTB jumping technique protocol.
Sources and further reading
- Mountain biking (Wikipedia) – disciplines and riding technique
- Bicycle helmet (Wikipedia) – head protection