How to Hit Small Snowboarding Jumps

Hitting a small snowboarding jump may sound less difficult than hitting a large one, but small jumps can pose even greater hazards than large ones. A snowboarder's confidence in his ability may be a liability if he does not understand the consequences of a small jump at high speed or the consequences of poor form. The same principals of technique apply to a small snowboard jump as a large one. The only difference is that you can come into the jump faster and give yourself more pop because you'll get less air.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the jump. If a jump catches you by surprise, no matter how small, high speeds can have devastating consequences. A big jump will grab your attention, but you may look downhill beyond a small jump. Hitting a jump when you are carving with straight legs or off balance can make landing the jump virtually impossible.

    • 2

      Bend your knees. If your knees are bent, your legs will absorb the shot your body takes from the sudden lift. Even if you want big air and want to maximize the lift, bending your knees is the key because it will allow you to pop off the top of the jump.

    • 3

      Keep your hands down and your shoulders over your knees. In some cases, you may want your body centered over the back of the board, but rarely if you are not going to throw a trick. Keeping your hands and your shoulders in position is the key to balance. If you come off the jump unbalanced, recovering in the air is extremely difficult and landing in position will take more luck than skill.

    • 4

      Keep your head still and looking down hill. If you keep your head still, your body's movement will be quiet. Always look down hill. No matter what the trick is, even if you have to turn your head to make the move, the key is to always keep your head and eyes looking down hill. If you look up or to the side or down, landing becomes an unexpected surprise. Even a flashed skilled snowboarder does not like surprises.