Are you a beginner who wants to experience the awesomeness of mountain biking? Read on to know the right technique that could help you enjoy your ride to the fullest.
The key to have the best mountain biking journey is to be flexible and relaxed. Mountain biking is different from a commute or a road ride where the biker merely sits and spins. You should not be rigid to move forward or backward or off the side. Riding flat, descending, climbing and cornering are some of the things you would need to constantly do while on your mountain ride. Each movement requires a technique, let us quickly walk through them!
If you are riding on a flat terrain, the best technique is to pedal at a steady pace. You could either be sitting or standing while you pedal. Looking in the forward direction is the key. While you are riding, make sure you focus even down the trail and not merely on your front wheel. As soon as you see obstacles, climbs or descents coming, make sure you have the time to brace yourself up to navigate through them.
If you are on a descent, stand up resting on your pedals and keep both your arms and legs flexed. These help as additional shock absorbents and help you pass bumps easily. When you are going down hill, remember to keep your body low, knees and elbows bent and hips bent.
When you are supposed to climb, it is important you anticipate the incline a little in advance. This would help you drop into an easy gear well in time to prepare for the journey uphill. Instead of standing and aiming to pedal hard, you must sit and spin the pedals at a steady pace. Steadily pedaling uphill would help you to climb smoothly and not loose traction or stop. To develop traction, it is required that you maintain your weight on the back wheel. If you wish to steer, the weight should be exerted towards the front wheel.
Once you know the basic techniques like riding on a flat terrain, climbing and descending, you could orient yourself to cornering. The basic idea is to manage your weight and utilize your muscles in the right direction. It is important that you practice these techniques well before you go for your first ride. Various trail centers marked by skill and difficulty levels are ideal for inexperienced bikers to practice on. Once you are confident about your technique, you are fit to ride on and enjoy the therapy mountain biking provides!
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.