Hopping Problem

[caleb1978]

I am working on side hops. I am getting good height but I continue to move backword. I can't seem to figure out when to punch the peddle-peddle kick- and release the break. Seems like the bike just moves out from under me when I try, and I am left standing on ground holding handlebars, with back wheel on ground. Should I be kinda balanced on the back tire for a moment before I release the break, or is it one smooth motion? Do I need to push the bars forward to prevent back traking? Thanks for the help everyone. Caleb

[spartan1]

Its pretty much like a pedal kick only with a little hop to the side.
I personally find it a little easier to get the pedal kick in when you start from the rear wheel but if ur not confident then 2 wheel take off is just fine.

Concentrate on pulling the bars back and up but when your jumping dont jump backwards and pull the bike with you. Instead jump up and into your good foot, it feels almost like a gap when your doing small ones.
It takes some practice but after a while you should actually move forward a little when youside hop.
Hope it helps,
Ian

[caleb1978]

I am taking of from rear wheel. Is there some kind of hip movement to keep the bike from moving back?:dunno:
So from rear wheel hop/balance I should push the bars forward while I release the break and give the peddles a kick? Or pull back on the bars. The whole peddle kick thing seems very counter intuitive.