5 MTB Drills That Will Make You A Better Rider!

Here are 5 EASY mountain bike skills to learn. These simple mtb skills can be practiced without bike trails! Practicing beginner bike skills will improve your bike handling skills, and are a quick way improve your mountain biking skills in just a day.
Since this is a beginner friendly MTB skills video, We'll be looking at the most basic mountain bike skills like brake control while descending, how to get better traction on climbs, lifting our front wheel with using our pedals, and lastly lifting our rear wheel without clip-less pedals. Be sure to share these beginner mountain bike tips with your mountain bike friends!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

If you haven't already make sure you click the bell icon to get notified every time I post a new video! This year my aim is to post a new video every Monday morning!

[@kylecantu7216]

Thanks for reminding me!

[@ianclaireofficial591]

This Video Is So Useful

[@mclennwi6938]

Oohhh yes now I might actually look forward to Monday’s

[@tomw6329]

“While the technique may differ the technique will stay the same “ Skills with Phil

[@tommytfaa]

the yogi berra of MTB

[@Somine420]

Look at the bottom left at that exact moment when he says that

[@dhpug3014]

Lol

[@dhpug3014]

Oh

[@pwdt4r313]

Abraham Lincoln was a really good mountain biker

[@SkillsWithPhil]

PWDT4R he was a visionary!

[@christianpeters6579]

It's all about the facial hair

[@mr.potatohead6138]

U should practice skids on Seth's lawn!!😆

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Mr. Potato head I'm sure he won't mind 😂

[@--LZ---]

Or even better, on the trail he built at the back of the house :D

[@AlexDutyBMXMTB]

Just watch for Drama crap. 🐶🐕💩💩💩💩💩💩💩

[@ichigotrillonator2812]

Lol he be pissed throwing rocks armed with his whose 😂

[@shitpostgod2656]

@@AlexDutyBMXMTB oh no

[@drdoritos6851]

That somewhat good animating 🤣 3:08

[@bkxc]

I’m surprised how many people are constantly skidding on the steep stuff! Plenty of power in that front brake, just gotta feel it out.

[@kitten-inside]

You just want to trick others into washing out the front. I know you!

[@TheMoreWeExplore]

100% agree. Somehow new riders have been indoctrinated with the idea that touching their front brake will pitch them over the bars. You get 70% of your stopping power from your front brake.

[@TheNinjonny]

I rely mostly on front brake, however recently I caught myself on one section of super steep trail afraid of my front brake. Felt like my bike was pointing straight down and dragged my rear wheel down it. I was mad at myself but still not sure if I did the wrong thing.

[@TheMoreWeExplore]

TheNinjonny if you were trying to slow down, id still use the front brake. Some things are so steep that you have to let off the brakes and fully commit to rolling it out with no brakes. As im sure you know, once your rear wheel starts skidding, its no longer slowing you down effectively. When it gets extremely steep, try not to lock your elbows. Keep them bent and lower your chin and core to keep weight over the front. It sounds counter-intuitive, but locking your elbows to get more behind the seat can unweight the front so much that the front tire can actually skid.

[@midlifebiker7424]

The More We Explore Im with you there, too steep or gnarly that no braking and good line choice is the right option. If its long enough selective braking almost like abs, on off as the terrain changes can work but you probably need to know or session to see whats best. Im used to motorbikes so front braking into your forks is natural however ppl coming perhaps from road bikes with no front compression, slick tyres and leaned over the front might not be so confident with the front brake. Doing endos on flat loose trail gives you alot of confidence before hitting dh. Phil does a good job regarding body position etc and the importance of practice sessions.

[@patrolshreddin5609]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos, with your busy school schedule. Between yourself, Seth and Alex I was convinced to build a DJ just to work on my skills. Thanks Phil, just know it’s appreciated.

[@gastonuzc]

Patrol Shreddin. I second that. KEEP IT UP!!!!!! 🤘 COOL NEW LOGO!!!!!

[@vildt-balgastronomiskteamb7084]

What he said!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Great tips and really good job explaining the drills in an easy to understand way!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Thanks WWC!

[@TheMoreWeExplore]

These are some of the best and most important skill drills ive seen. Great work phil.

[@remzuko808]

Phil thank you these skills are helping me conquer trails I never thought I could be able to ride. I have already seen improvements in my riding I am 13 and one 5 weeks into mountain biking thanks for all the help and great channel

[@whiplash231]

You always have the best skill breakdowns. Love it man!

[@mitchwarren1600]

I’m really a fan of short videos! There is a lot of indulgent mtb footage out there ! And one can lose contact with the outside world watching it. 🤘

[@themarccox]

Another level up on the quality. You're crushing it lately. Great stuff as always, thanks.

[@ToogyHowser]

Great tips! It's easy to forget to practice these basic skills and just hit the trails! I myself could spend some time going over this stuff before my next trail ride!

[@Epluribusunom6166]

Thank you Mr Phil! So glad to see you on track 👍

[@marldayniellesilvestre3372]

Thanks Phil! You've just motivate me to go out, get on my bike and practice these skills!

[@TwitchyNick]

Great ideas for me to practice. Particularly finding that sweet spot of descending without skidding. Love that you can do these right around your house.

[@dwightbuck5664]

He’s back All is right with MTB world again thank you Phil I appreciate your time to help me get better

[@LECMTB]

Great video! I'm starting again from basics with my riding skills, this is so I can learn proper technique when utilising these skills out on the trail. I've treated myself to a new full suspension to, which arrives next Tuesday. I can bunnyhop, endo, and a few others, I still can't manual or wheelie. So hopefully going back to basics will also teach me how to manual / wheelie

[@acsaiyanbalce4610]

Love all your educational videos Phil! Helps so much in a trail and can def prevent anyone from injury or even death!!

[@Sycoholic]

Great stuff!!! I'm in Kuwait and not home in Asheville so I've been doing some of these already to hone my skills for when I get home.

[@djrouge3300]

The production quality is awesome dude! Great work Phil! I always love the videos you put out.

[@xXSCARECROW19Xx]

I've been riding for a while but I'm definitely going to try some of these out because they seem so beneficial. It's practicing the small stuff that you'll be doing throughout the course of a ride. Thanks!

[@isaidabeefhotlinks1]

Great content Phil! This is really practical and useful!!!

[@downshiftjay1400]

I love these videos. Perfect for a newbie like me. Thanks Phil!

[@YaronYogev]

Hi Phil, thanks for this great video, I really enjoyed it and some of the skidding stuff I'll certainly try. As for the pedal assisted front wheel lift, I have come to know this technique as "pedal kick", and use it to climb rock steps on trails, combined with other techniques to complete the climb. It involves the following: 1) It's easier if you start seated 2) Use low gear, but tune it so you get back wheel traction after your rear wheel climbs the step. 3) Advance slowly till you are close to the step, but far enough so that you can lift the front wheel over it, or at least part of it's height if it's not a straight up step. 4) Pedal with your strong foot, starting at the "12 Oclock" position so you start applying pressure right as you start the movement and use the full range of the down movement. 5) After your front wheel is on the top, move your weight up and forward to let the rear wheel climb the step. 6) Once you have the rear wheel up, either pedal to start moving and/or push forward on the handlebar. See this short example of my wife using this technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJfWk36IebqCiKc I have a whole folder of videos from the same session showing both success and failure on this element. Watching it in slow-motion is a great way to understand the technique.

[@thecakeisalie7070]

Love that logo!

[@pushkarmadan5455]

Out of most of the mtb vids over the net, I find your videos most enjoyable.

[@tamserenity]

Love seeing your videos! Glad your back!

[@terryshrives8322]

Really awesome man! Thanks for the help

[@paprotka3426]

Awesome, I know some of these skills and some that I got to learn, thanks!

[@matthewfojtik994]

Keep up the cool videos u inspired me to MTB and build trail around my town with my friends and other people 👍

[@WattyLegend]

Plenty of place to practice the skid with all this snow!! Nice job!

[@brycebegin5001]

I used all of these at gunstock m.t. And worked like magic made the ride so much more fun and enjoyable

[@charleskelvin528]

Awesome tutorial✔💥💥

[@LifebyBertie]

Hey Phil, really great stuff my man and good to see some more footage and skills again, this is good to improve yourself during the winter and tomorrow looks promising with some sun and nice weather for a change so I'll be trying this out. I really hope your mom is doing okay. Keep up the good stuff!!!

[@timinno]

Thanks Phil! Always learn something new from your videos.

[@jrig21723]

So much good stuff here. Like any sport, the fundamentals are so important when improving your skills. Nice video, Phil!

[@magnifiresrealm]

Glad to have you back Phil!

[@deymos2175]

Me: Soo, does the technique differ from bike to bike? Phil: Well yes, but actually no

[@johncast9565]

Good video, I re-preform all these skills on any new bike I get on, even though I'm not a begginer it helps to get a good feel for the bike.

[@MTBMOM]

I know the perfect place to practice these drills. Thanks for the challenge!

[@andrestaylor5460]

Well explained skills but also... Good examples. Thanks!!

[@utharkruna1116]

Alot to learn. Thanks phil

[@stevenlane1638]

Thanks for the training, Phil. I just got my first mountain bike and am learning new skills after 50+ years of riding road bikes. Hope this old guy doesn't get hurt, even though I have a few times on the roads, but this time it won't be cars or trucks doing the hurting. Hehehe.

[@Epicdave22]

Keep up the good work dude. Helping riders around the world!!!

[@MrPunkassfuck]

When pedaling uphill and not wanting to loose grip and therefor come to a halt, I apply consistent power to the pedals. There is a tendency to apply a lot of power when pedal is between 3 and 6 o'clock. Apply the same power from 12 to 6 o'clock instead. Probably easier to do sitting down.

[@off-roadeverything5946]

Glad to see your back. Love the old school skill skits.

[@taxner]

Great video, thanks for good tips that you can practice when you have a day off the trails! Will try theese out!

[@SF-mz3rw]

Thank you, for another great video!!!

[@barkingmadman1169]

Very helpful! Thanks for the vid!

[@Friskee62]

EXCELLENT...love your special effects.

[@glenncain]

i think phil skillz videos has evolved. and the points aim at some very fundamental but easily missed technique or details for seemingly obvious skill sets. a very good piece for the new and experienced

[@48Nugget]

Another helpful vid. Thanks! I was already mentally crafting a comment to post along the lines of "Do mention that skidding on trails is a no-no" only for you to then make that very point! You cover all the bases - not just in this video but your other ones too. Thanks again and keep 'em coming! (BTW - It takes some getting used to seeing you in long pants and not shorts, LOL)

[@SpillsonHills]

Thank you Dude! Super informative!

[@Danimal_Mtb]

The intro is awesome! So much handlebar!!! Great video too.

[@Deepanshu95k]

Amazing, exactly what i was looking for basic but essential

[@bobcat5496]

LOVE THIS SHIZZLE!!!! KEEP SENDING OUT THE GOOD VIDS AND VIBES BRO!!!!!!

[@jasongraham2382]

Thanks Phil!

[@fangyaohuang6211]

Awesome video! Love it!!

[@mizsbae5545]

Very useful. Thanks for the tips ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍

[@alexreinkemeyer8563]

Love your videos Phil. Keep it up

[@rotorblade7363]

Awesome video. Thanks for the advice.

[@peterkortvel]

Wow the special effect of going over bars was amazing!!!

[@Isaac1B]

Missed ya Phil! It's good to see another classic video

[@billnboo4u]

thanks Phil iv learned so much

[@felderosa]

Another banger from the master.

[@exploroso]

Good advice to ride the bike. I like very much to watch mountain bike videos. Good job and keep doing it. I am Luiz from Brazil. Thank you again.

[@grammyonthetrail]

Thanks for the awesome instructional video! I really need to work on those wheel lifts and I appreciate your tips. I find that filming myself trying these skills is a great way to see what I am doing wrong. 🚵‍♀️ Looking forward to your upcoming graduation -- and many more videos! 🎓

[@prodbym4]

Loved it😁😁😁 Keep it coming

[@daviddodson5880]

Great video. The games with the drills is such a good way to keep it fun.

[@povtrails1219]

Great video! Just what I needed with the current weather the northeast is having

[@adrianeordono7925]

Thx For The Skills

[@ridebikesandmore1538]

Thank's. Nice video and great edit as usual.

[@owenpreece4508]

Great video love the quality of the video

[@Kyle-jb3hr]

Great video and straight to the point ! Love it keep it up

[@otb2often726]

Good to see you back at it Sir!!!

[@monstervlogster1157]

Phill, lots of great information man, im a beginner so appreciate you sharing this video!

[@francisthecooldownroad342]

Thanks man good video .

[@chrismcgourty1756]

cheers fella, good show!

[@MrManderson75]

WoooHoooo Phil video day!!!! I watch GMBN, Scotty, Brian, Alex and Seth religiously... When there is a Phil video I click it first like the other don't exist :) Nice to see you back at it.

[@timmcdroid8069]

Thx more please...Balance and technique at beginner leveel a must.before attempting pro rider skillz..Welcome back to u tube world Phil

[@livefree6639]

very very very useful..... thx!

[@aldenwilkins]

Great vid. Thanks.

[@vtboarder16]

phil you are the man! watched video of you absolutely slaying Killington. Come ride this summer man!

[@EeroSoralahti]

Also, very good skill drills to practice with a kid who's getting into MTB. Thanks!

[@henryhoddie461]

Keep it up phil 👍🏽

[@mtadams2009]

Great to see you back, I hope college is going well, take care

[@zacharyhainline6220]

Damn I think this is the most professional video on mtbing on the internet! Great job!! You should try to get a colorado trip in sometime! I’d love to see you on the trails out here, plus we don’t see Evils that often...

[@remzuko808]

Hi just noticed you live in Colorado can you tell me some good trails to visit I'm pretty much a beginner thank you

[@zacjohnson452]

what is an Evil?

[@thepastafariandodo2545]

this is so useful!!!!!! thx Phil

[@PhillioDoede]

Looks like someone is upping their production game, looks great! Content is great as usual of course.

[@ccsnoah1339]

Great work Phil keep it up. I’d add track stands but I think you’ve talked about them in other vids.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

2Wheel Bros i agree and you are also correct. Track stands were in my last video on beginner skills video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4bYooqbf9aCis0

[@Michael_H_Webb]

Most excellent.

[@sergiomtbcastellanos8329]

Muy buenos consejos, no entiendo todo por completo igual me motivan a practicar. Saludos desde Bogotá Colombia

[@braddevers526]

I totally love this music, makes me feel like I'm in some 80's workout video, or just needing to buy some clothes at old navy .. Awesome selection

[@T-eee-L]

Excellent tips!

[@EverydayMTB]

Phil, no rivals your tutorial videos. Keep it up!

[@blumenpedaler9516]

Great stuff!

[@ardarazi8472]

Dude that otb amimation was sooo cool.

[@metalarmorypaintball4338]

Yo phil I just subscribed because i've recently been watching some of your videos. I found your channel from Seths bike hacks and I've been loving your content. I very much appreciate youtubers who do what they love and who want others to benefit and learn from them. Keep riding man!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Hey thanks for the kind words, helping others is just my way of giving back. Welcome to the channel :)