The 3 step process
Odds are you’ve seen this picture before talking about our 3 step process I use in our camps/classes. When I first began coaching I quickly noticed trends in the way I was teaching and the way these riders were learning, so I started to take notes and repeat and sure enough it was a process that worked extremely well I should add, and even better it worked despite the level rider, some needed less with the first step but the principles were the same every time. I don’t think the order necessarily matters; it’s more about our coaching techniques in which the information is given. I’m going to break down each step for you to give you a preview of how our camps go down, you will have an idea of what to expect.
1. I do an evaluation of the rider and audit their technique. I don’t always dramatically alter a rider’s technique but more often have them try alterations of different techniques I think will benefit their style. Often time’s technique really isn’t a deal breaker when it comes to speed; I say that because we’ve seen so many riders take unconventional style all the way to the top it’s more of a trial and error to see what works for you, though there are some essential elements of technique required to do certain things on a dirt bike. (this is usually quick)
2. I’ve developed certain drills designed to help break bad habits and get riders more confident and trusting the bike, which in return brings comfort and education in how your bike actually operates. (This is a huge breakthrough in our beginner classes). I see riders excel dramatically after completing this step.
3. Some of the throttle drills we do I learned riding supercross with Ryan Dungey. We spend a majority of the time here learning how to create traction, this also go along with the braking drills we completed earlier and is easier for the riders to understand after completing step 2. I like to do these drills on a more difficult corner, Because riders usually feel the benefits of the previous steps as well here.
4. By this time most of our riders have a full understanding of how their bike works, and now know what he or she can and cannot do. At this point we introduce the 80% technique, where you are strictly focusing on these principles only and not speed. At this point we usually see riders increase their speed by just applying these techniques while actually using less energy. (You can see their confidence level skyrocket by this point) after we put our riders through this step they are now ready for speed work, only because they (know how to handle their bike properly when faced with a mistake on the track)
