Performing a controlled rear wheel slide, often referred to as a drift or power slide on an MTB, involves a specific technique of weight transfer and body positioning to break rear wheel traction while maintaining control. Based on the provided reference, key elements include keeping your shoulders low, lifting up into the corner, performing a coordinated "bowling move," and starting from a "flat" position.
Understanding the Controlled Rear Slide
Unlike a skateboarding or BMX tail slide (where the frame/tail slides on an obstacle), an MTB controlled slide or drift typically involves the rear wheel breaking traction and sliding across a surface, often in a turn or on a loose patch. It's a technique used for speed control, style, or navigating technical terrain. The video snippet appears to describe body mechanics for initiating and controlling such a slide in a corner.
Essential Techniques for Initiating the Slide
According to the reference, mastering the controlled slide involves several coordinated body movements:
- Shoulders Low: The reference notes, "And you're going like this that's where your shoulders are so they're kind of low." Keeping your shoulders low helps lower your center of gravity, providing a more stable base for initiating and controlling the slide. A lower center of gravity makes it easier to shift weight and maintain balance as the rear wheel drifts.
- Lifting Up into the Corner: The video mentions, "And you're lifting up into the corner." This action likely refers to a slight upward movement or unweighting of the bike before or as you initiate the turn. Lifting helps momentarily reduce the pressure on the rear wheel, making it easier to break traction and start the slide.
- The "Bowling Move": While less specific, the reference states, "While. The same time you're doing that bowling. Move." This "bowling move" suggests a specific, coordinated body action – perhaps a push, rotation, or scooping motion with your arms and upper body – that helps initiate the slide and guide the bike's trajectory through the turn. It implies a deliberate, fluid action.
- Starting from a "Flat" Position: The reference ends with, "Just like that I'm flat." This could refer to starting from a neutral, balanced body position before executing the movements, or potentially keeping your pedals level ("flat") during the setup phase. A stable, neutral starting point is crucial for initiating the dynamic movements required for the slide.
Putting the Technique Together
Executing a controlled rear slide combines these elements:
- Approach: Ride towards the corner or area where you want to slide.
- Setup (Flat): Get into a neutral, balanced position with shoulders low and pedals level.
- Initiate (Lift & Bowling Move): As you enter the turn point, perform a slight upward "lift" motion while simultaneously executing the "bowling move" (the coordinated body/arm action). This unweights the rear wheel and helps initiate the slide.
- Control: Use your weight, handlebars, and foot pressure to control the angle and duration of the slide. Lean the bike more than your body.
- Exit: As you come out of the corner, gradually reduce the slide angle by shifting your weight and straightening the bike, allowing the rear wheel to regain traction smoothly.
Practice Tips
- Find the Right Surface: Start on a loose, flat, open surface like gravel, sand, or wet grass. These surfaces make it easier to break traction at lower speeds.
- Start Slow: Practice the weight shifts and body movements at slow speeds before attempting faster slides.
- Look Where You Want to Go: Always look through the corner and towards your exit point. Your body and bike will follow your eyes.
- Body vs. Bike: Remember to lean the bike more than your body during the slide. Your body acts as a counterweight.
By focusing on the coordinated movements highlighted in the reference – keeping shoulders low, lifting up, performing the 'bowling move,' and starting flat – you can develop the foundation for executing controlled rear wheel slides on your MTB.
| Key Element | Description (Based on Reference) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulders Low | Keeping shoulders in a lower position. | Lowers center of gravity, increases stability. |
| Lifting Up into Corner | Slight upward movement before or during corner entry. | Unweights rear wheel, aids traction loss. |
| "Bowling Move" | Coordinated body/arm action during slide initiation. | Helps initiate and guide the slide. |
| Starting "Flat" Position | Neutral, balanced stance before initiating the movement. | Provides stable base for dynamic action. |
