Teaching Mountain Bike Skills Flashcards
What is a fundamental factor that every coach must consider?
Your concern for your athletes
This concern is crucial for developing a coaching philosophy.
What should a coach always strive to be when working with athletes?
Be yourself
Authenticity is important in coaching.
What is crucial to reward in a sport where only one rider wins?
The process, not the outcome
This encourages growth and effort among all athletes.
How should a coach treat riders of different skill levels?
With equal respect and attention
This promotes inclusivity and fairness.
What balance must a coach find with their riders?
Pushing improvement while honoring current abilities
Each athlete’s needs are different.
What life skills can being a mountain biker help young athletes develop?
- Teaching life skills
- Improving self-esteem
- Building strong friendships
- Living healthy lifestyles
These benefits come naturally through a well-run program.
What is the A-1 priority of a NICA coach?
Risk manager
Keeping athletes safe is paramount.
What role does a coach play as a role model?
Behaving professionally and using appropriate language
Coaches are emulated by their athletes.
What is a key motivational trait a coach should have?
Being STOKED
Enthusiasm is essential in motivating athletes.
What should a coach always have when organizing practices?
A plan
Consistency and record-keeping are important.
What must a coach assert when necessary?
Authority
Setting clear rules and expectations is essential.
What do riders need from their coach in terms of leadership?
Respect and structure
Teenagers thrive with clear parameters.
What is important for coaches to provide in terms of discipline?
Safety first
A safe environment fosters respect.
True or False: Being a great mountain biker is more important than being a great coach.
False
Coaching skills are vital for athlete success.
What combination of skills contributes to becoming a great mountain bike teacher?
- Technical knowledge
- People skills
- Experience
- Passion
These elements are essential for effective coaching.
What is essential for helping riders do their best?
A careful skills progression and an encouraging environment
This helps riders have fun while improving their skills.
What should coaches avoid when working with riders?
Coercing a rider into doing something they don’t feel ready for
Pushing too hard can lead to stress, poor performance, or injuries.
What happens when a rider feels stress?
The body and mind tighten up, making good riding almost impossible
This can lead to reinforcing bad habits or getting hurt.
What type of stress is considered ‘bad stress’?
Anxiety about failing, crashing, or getting hurt
Bad stress makes it difficult for riders to learn and enjoy the activity.
What is the role of a coach regarding rider emotions?
To keep riders in a positive frame of mind
It’s important to manage emotions to prevent panic.
What does ‘failing’ represent in the context of learning?
A chance to learn, improve, and have more fun
It’s important to celebrate the process rather than just the outcome.
What should coaches celebrate instead of just outcomes?
The process of trying, learning, and re-trying
This encourages a growth mindset among riders.
What type of praise should be given to riders?
Generous, specific praise
Coaches should highlight what riders are doing well and what they can improve.
How can a coach’s enthusiasm impact riders?
It can become contagious and encourage team riders to learn and excel
A positive attitude from coaches fosters a supportive learning environment.
What are the three basic types of learners?
- Auditory learners
- Visual learners
- Kinesthetic/tactile learners
These categories help instructors tailor their teaching methods to accommodate different learning preferences.
What is the first step in the basic teaching process for riding skills?
Explain the skill, its use, and key dynamics.
This includes initiating a turn and the importance of balance and geometry.
What should an instructor do during the demonstration phase?
Show how to execute the skill clearly while talking and calling out important details.
Demonstrations should be from multiple angles for better understanding.
What is the purpose of the practice phase in teaching riding skills?
Encourage riders to perform the skill themselves in a safe area.
Instructors should provide constructive feedback during practice.
True or False: The best lessons always follow the sequence of Explain, Demonstrate, Practice.
False
Effective teaching may require mixing these modes based on the group’s understanding.
What should instructors focus on when teaching bike skills?
Teach, practice, and refine one sub-skill at a time.
This helps riders master individual components before integrating them.
What is an example of a sub-skill in riding?
Extending the inside arm to initiate a turn.
Focusing on sub-skills aids in the gradual mastery of complete skills.
How should instructors address riders who struggle with details?
Break down the skill to focus on individual body parts.
For instance, focus on the elbow position during a turn.
What is the benefit of encouraging riders to talk about their experiences?
It helps refine their position, technique, and approach.
Communication fosters a better understanding of challenges.
Fill in the blank: Riders can only learn _______ new element at a time.
one
This prevents overwhelming them with too much information.
What teaching method encourages riders to provide their own answers?
Teaching by inquiry.
This method engages riders and promotes critical thinking.
What should instructors tell athletes who focus too much on details?
To watch and feel the skill rather than overthink it.
This approach can help them learn integrated movements more effectively.
What is a key element to remember when teaching riding skills?
Make learning fun and engaging.
Enjoyment can enhance retention and motivation.
What is an effective strategy for initiating a turn on a bike?
Start with the lean of the bike.
Leaning is crucial for proper bike dynamics during a turn.
How can instructors help riders overcome mental blocks?
Instruct them to feel the skill rather than think about it.
This can lead to breakthroughs in performance.
What is the primary goal of a NICA coach regarding mountain bike injuries?
To minimize risk and avoid overly dangerous situations
Most mountain bike injuries are preventable.
What factors should be considered to minimize risk to riders?
- Appropriate terrain and group intensity level
- Pertinent skills
- Experience
- Adequate fitness
- Sound judgment
These factors help ensure riders are prepared for the challenges they will face.
What should be avoided regarding terrain for mountain biking?
Riding overly steep or technical trails
Riders should not be goaded into taking big risks by the group.
Why is it important for riders to have pertinent skills?
To handle their bikes effectively in the terrain encountered
Riders should know what to do if they lose control.
What should be done if riders’ skills do not match the terrain requirements?
- Change terrain
- Have riders walk the section
Running with a bike is also considered an important racing skill.
How does experience affect a rider’s performance?
More time executing good skills increases likelihood of handling situations correctly
Experience helps riders react appropriately when faced with challenges.
What impact does fatigue have on riders?
Fatigue makes riders sloppy and prone to mistakes
Sound judgment is crucial for both the rider and coach.
What is the significance of skipping steps in skill development?
Skipping core skills compromises advanced skills
Every advanced skill is built upon mastered core skills.
What is the recommended approach to skill progression?
Start small and ensure mastery at each level before progressing
For example, riders should master 6-inch curbs before attempting 18-inch ledges.
What should the focus be on during practice?
Practice perfection and ensure core dynamics are consistent
This builds confidence for applying skills on real terrain.
When is it not advisable to try new skills?
At the end of practice when riders might be tired
Tired riders are more prone to crashing.
What is the attitude towards having fun in mountain biking?
Having fun is essential and should be emphasized
Enjoyment enhances the overall experience.
Why might experienced riders benefit from core skills training?
- They may have bad habits that hold them back
- They have a commitment to the sport
- They possess awareness to learn quickly
Expert riders often gain more from these lessons than beginners.
How do beginning riders benefit from learning core skills?
They learn quickly without bad habits
This allows them to skip the trial-and-error process faced by experienced riders.
What is the relationship between mastering safe riding and teaching safe riding?
Mastering safe riding helps in teaching safe riding effectively
Lee teaches the basics at a NorCal Leaders’ Summit.
What document should coaches and riders review at the beginning of the season?
NICA’s ‘Trail Etiquette & Code of Conduct’ document
All participants are required to sign this at the start of the season.
What type of area is recommended for teaching new skills to riders?
Sterile area
A clean, plain, and least distracting area is ideal for focusing on specific skills.
Why is it important to choose practice venues that are not scary?
To avoid creating a negative experience for riders
Confidence in the terrain is crucial for a positive practice environment.
What is more important for racers than going big on challenging trails?
Carrying good speed on green trails
Most races are held on relatively tame terrain.
What should be avoided when practicing with a group of riders?
Trampling sensitive areas
It’s important to have enough space to accommodate all riders without damage.
What is a key aspect of visibility when practicing?
Good sight lines
Instructors should be able to see their riders over great distances.
What should you do before riding in a new terrain?
Pre-ride the area and come up with a teaching plan
Knowing the terrain is critical for safety and effective teaching.
List three of the IMBA’s Rules of the Trail.
- Ride open trails
- Leave no trace
- Control your bicycle
These rules help promote responsible mountain biking.
What type of trails are considered the hallmark of mountain biking?
Cross country trails
These trails represent the type of terrain on which athletes will be racing.
What is an excellent alternative for improving spin and fitness when trails are too wet?
Riding on roads
It’s important to follow traffic rules while riding on roads.
What is discouraged on BMX tracks and pump tracks?
Airtime
Instead, riders should focus on pumptime to build skills and fitness.
What can be done in parking lots and open fields during practice?
Refine position, practice hard braking, and create makeshift slaloms
Open areas allow for a variety of drills and skills refinement.
What are the three main components of mountain biking ability?
Skills, Fitness, Confidence
These three components can be compared to the legs of a table.
What do skills in mountain biking allow you to do?
Do more on your bike and do it better
Skills include actions like pedaling smoothly, lunging up ledges, carving corners, and navigating through rocks.
How does fitness contribute to mountain biking?
Lets you execute your skills faster, harder, and longer
A good training program addresses mobility, strength, power, power endurance, and long-term endurance.
What is the role of confidence in mountain biking?
Allows you to make the most of your technical and physical abilities
Confidence helps with focus, resilience, and the ability to tackle technical descents.
What is compared to the fourth leg of the mountain biking table?
Equipment
This includes the bike, clothes, and protective gear, which should fit properly and be well adjusted.
Why should all three areas of skills, fitness, and confidence be developed together?
Each rider is only as strong as his or her weakest area
Focusing solely on fitness can neglect the development of skills and confidence.
True or False: The more fit you are, the less effectively you can practice skills.
False
Increased fitness allows for more effective skill practice.
Fill in the blank: The more skilled you are, the more _______ you can ride.
terrain
Riding varied terrain contributes to overall fitness.
What happens when you are more fit and skilled in mountain biking?
You have more positive experiences and become more confident
This creates a positive feedback loop in skill development.
What should riders do to improve their mountain biking?
Work on skills, develop fitness, and enhance confidence simultaneously
Intentional focus and celebrating small victories can aid in this process.
What is the primary goal of the curriculum?
To help riders achieve perfection in their riding skills
This aim is supported by clean basic technique and effective instruction.
Who is the curriculum based on?
Lee McCormack
His writings include ‘Mastering Mountain Bike Skills’ and ‘Pro BMX Skills’.
What is the first key notion in the curriculum?
Make sure the bike and rider fit each other.
What should be taught after ensuring bike and rider fit?
Teach the rider how to be centered and balanced on the bike.
What are the core skills that should be taught?
- Pedaling
- Braking
- Cornering
- Riding up and down stuff
- Pumping terrain
These skills should be taught with an awareness of balance, range of motion, and power.
What is the importance of balance and mobility in riding?
The more balanced and mobile the rider, the better the riding.
What is emphasized about mastering core skills?
True mastery comes from the basics.
What should riders be encouraged to do with their core skills?
Hone these core skills and mix and match them in advanced ways.
What is the quote regarding practice?
Perfect practice makes perfect.
What is suggested if a coach cannot provide necessary instruction?
Consider bringing a more advanced rider into the program as an assistant coach.
How should the coaching experience be for riders?
Have fun!
What is the importance of wearing helmets while cycling?
Helmets should fit correctly, be in good condition, and meet current safety standards. They must be worn correctly to ensure safety.
Any new cycling-specific helmet from a reputable manufacturer will be safe.
What should coaches check regarding riders’ helmets?
Coaches should check for proper fit and signs of wear, such as cracks.
A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
Why is it recommended for riders to wear eyeglasses?
Eyeglasses improve vision and comfort, and prevent painful injuries like lacerated corneas.
Even minor eye injuries can be quite painful.
What are the benefits of wearing bike-specific jerseys?
Bike-specific jerseys are more comfortable and perform better than cotton t-shirts, especially when sweaty.
Cotton retains moisture, which can make riders feel cold.
What is the purpose of wearing cycling gloves?
Cycling gloves improve control and prevent injuries to the hands.
Even minor injuries like a scraped palm can hinder everyday activities.
Fill in the blank: Riders should wear _______ shorts for better safety and comfort.
cycling-specific
What are the features of cycling-specific socks?
They are thin, fit well in cycling shoes, wick away sweat, and come in various designs.
Keeping feet dry can prevent blisters.
What type of shoes must riders using clip-in pedals wear?
Cycling-specific shoes.
Flat-pedal riders should also use bike-specific shoes for better grip.
What is the guideline for wearing arm and knee/leg warmers?
If it’s under 65 degrees, cover your knees.
Warmers can be easily stored in jersey pockets.
Why are vests and jackets important for riders?
They prepare riders for various weather conditions, keeping the core warm.
A warm core contributes to overall warmth while riding.
What role do protective padding like knee and elbow pads play?
They add confidence and prevent injuries during practice and new activities.
While not always worn in races, they are essential for safety in training.
What types of mountain bikes are best for most NICA rider/racers?
Hardtails, cross-country race bikes, and cross-country trail bikes
These bikes are positioned at the lower-left end of the spectrum.
What is a dirt-jump hardtail designed for?
Jumps and stunts
These bikes are built for handling rough terrain.
What is the main advantage of rear suspension in mountain bikes?
Adds control and speed in rough terrain
However, it also increases weight and cost.
What are the typical suspension travel measurements for cross-country race bikes?
6 inches for rear, 6 inches for front
Suspension travel can vary among bike makers.
What wheel size is recommended for smooth rolling over rough terrain?
29-inch wheels
Especially beneficial for hardtails.
What tire feature is best for expert cross-country racers?
Tiny knobs
These provide fast rolling for high-level performance.
What tire feature is recommended for most riders?
Big knobs
They offer more control in corners and loose conditions.
What is the recommended tire pressure range for inner tubes?
30-40 psi
Tubeless tires can be as low as 25 psi.
Fill in the blank: A 29er hardtail delivers the perfect blend of ______, smoothness, and affordability.
lightness
True or False: Smaller riders should always use 29-inch wheels.
False
Smaller riders might feel better on 26-inch wheels.
What angle should the extended leg be bent at full extension?
About 30 degrees
This angle ensures proper knee alignment during pedaling.
Where should the front of the knee be positioned when the pedal is at 3 o’clock?
Above the end of the crank arm
This alignment is essential for optimal power transfer.
What is the ideal angle between the arm and torso?
90 degrees with elbows slightly bent
This position promotes comfort and control.
What is a common mistake in bike fitting regarding handlebar placement?
Placing the bars too low and forward
This position does not improve pedaling performance and can impede bike handling.
What should be the goal for a rider’s position on the bike?
A neutral, comfortable position
This position enhances bike control and speed.
How do young riders’ growth patterns affect their bike fit?
Their bones grow faster than their muscles
This leads to tighter muscles that struggle with low positions.
What is the recommended riding position for young riders?
Upright positions
This is especially important for young boys as they grow.
What should a rider do to lower their torso for steep climbs?
Bend their arms
This keeps the riding position efficient without sacrificing control.
What is the first step to achieving a good bike fit?
Pick the right bike size
Clearance when straddling the top tube is crucial.
What is the second step to achieving a good bike fit?
Place the saddle in the right place for comfortable, efficient pedaling
Saddle height and position affect pedaling efficiency.
What is the third step to achieving a good bike fit?
Place the handlebars for comfort and control
Proper handlebar height and angle can enhance rider stability.
Why is it important for coaches to monitor high school aged athletes closely?
They may experience dramatic growth spurts
A well-fitting bike may not suit the rider after a few months.
What is the recommended handlebar height in relation to saddle height?
Bars around saddle height
This positioning aids in comfort and control.
True or False: A low ‘racing’ position is proven to improve pedaling performance.
False
Such positions may hinder bike handling instead.
What is the most common mistake when setting a bike saddle?
Setting the saddle too low and too far forward
This mistake can cause pain in the front of the knee.
What is the traditional fore-aft position guideline for saddle placement?
The bone right below the knee should be directly above the pedal spindle with the pedal at 3 o’clock
Alternatively, the front of the knee should be above the end of the crank.
What effect does a more forward saddle position have?
Increased engagement of quads and knees, better for climbs
This position tends to work better on climbs.
What effect does a more backward saddle position have?
Increased engagement of hamstrings and hip flexors, better for descents
This position tends to work better on descents.
What is the best approach for saddle positioning?
Start with the traditional position and adjust from there
What saddle angle is recommended for most situations?
A level saddle works well in most situations
What is the recommended saddle angle for extended climbing?
Pointing the saddle down 1-5 degrees
What saddle angle feels better on steep descents?
Nose pointed up
What angle do gravity and freestyle riders typically set their saddles?
Pointed up 10 degrees or more
What is the ideal knee bend when the leg is at full extension?
About 30 degrees
What is the Italian foot drop check for saddle height?
The heel of the shoe should barely touch the pedal with butt on seat and both legs hanging down
What is the effect of a higher saddle?
Easier to spin higher cadences, but too high reduces power output
What does it indicate if the back of your knees hurt?
Your saddle might be too high
Why do many trail riders lower their seats for descents?
Lower saddles give more room to handle the bike
What knee pain indicates regarding saddle height?
If knees hurt under the kneecaps, saddle might be too low for safe pedaling
When should you drop the seat height?
Drop the seat for downhill riding
What is the first step after positioning your saddle for optimal pedaling?
Position your bars (grips) to fit your body and riding style.
What do product managers do regarding bike specifications?
They spec their bikes with bars and stems that match the intended use and likely size of the rider.
What is the stock setup for most riders?
The stock setups work well for most riders.
What are the riding style categories mentioned for mountain bikes?
- Downhill focus
- Uphill focus
- All mountain - Enduro
- Trail - Stumpjumper FSR
- Cross country - Epic
- Race - Stumpjumper HT
What handlebar height is recommended for most high school racers?
Handlebars at or slightly above saddle height.
What happens to the handlebars as the stem is lengthened?
The bars get lower.
What is the effect of shortening the stem without raising the bars?
The cockpit will feel cramped, especially while seated.
What is the ideal angle between torso and upper arm when seated?
About a 90-degree angle.
What sign indicates that the handlebar position should be changed due to reaching for the bars?
The angle between the torso and upper arm is much more than 90 degrees.
When should handlebars be below the saddle?
Only in cases of very experienced and flexible riders.
What sign indicates that the rider looks cramped?
The angle between the torso and upper arm is much less than 90 degrees.
How should handlebars be adjusted for help in technical terrain?
Move the bars backward and upward to a more downhill-focused position.
What does the pushup test help determine?
The perfect handlebar width based on the rider’s position of maximum strength.
What should be done if handlebars are too narrow or wide?
Ask riders to do some pushups to find their optimal handlebar width.
What is the main purpose of proper placement of brake levers and shifters?
Reduces strain and improves control
Proper positioning is essential for easy and successful riding.
What percentage of riders have their brake levers set incorrectly?
99 percent
Most riders set their levers too far outboard and at the wrong angle and reach.
What is the recommended side-to-side position for brake levers?
Move the lever toward the stem until the index finger rests on the end of the lever
This position provides maximum braking power with minimal effort.
What angle should the brake levers be set at for optimal braking?
45 degrees from horizontal
This creates a straight line through the forearm, hand, grip, and lever when braking hard.
How should the reach of the brake levers be adjusted?
Set so the first knuckle of the index finger is on the end of the lever
Riders with smaller hands should move their levers toward their grips.
What should be checked in addition to brake lever positioning?
The condition of the rider’s brake pads and brake mechanisms
Regular checks ensure safety and functionality.
Where should shifters be positioned in relation to brake levers?
Shifters should be positioned where they fit comfortably without being hard to reach or at risk of being accidentally hit
This ensures both convenience and safety.
What is the key difference between brake lever placement and shifter placement?
Brake lever placement is critical; shifter placement is convenient
Each has its own importance in rider control and comfort.
What is a specific adjustment for riders with smaller hands?
Move their levers toward their grips
Some may benefit from women-specific bikes with special levers.
What should be ensured if riding with a handlebar bell?
It should be positioned to allow safe use while riding
Proper placement ensures safety and usability.
What are the two styles of pedals mentioned?
Clip-in and flat
Pedals with toe clips and straps are not recommended.
What is a characteristic of the best flat pedals?
They have pins or teeth that stick to soft-soled shoes
This feature helps to engage the rider with the pedal.
List two pros of using flat pedals.
- Teach engaged pedaling
- Increase rider confidence in technical terrain
What is a con of flat pedals?
They take time to learn for those used to clips
Also harder to ride in very rough conditions.
What do clip-in pedals engage with?
A cleat mounted to the bottom of a stiff-soled shoe
List two pros of using clip-in pedals.
- Increased pedaling power
- Increased control in bumpy terrain
What is a con of clip-in pedals?
They can allow poor riding habits to develop
Examples include not driving weight into pedal spindles.
What is recommended for all riders regarding pedal types?
Become proficient on flat pedals
This is especially suggested during the off season.
Should beginners be forced to use clip-in pedals?
No
What should you watch for with smaller riders in relation to cranks?
If they are rocking their hips to bring the pedals up