Feet on Pegs - Balls or Arches???

[Gary_Semics]

There are only 2 ways to place your feet on the footpegs, either on the balls of the feet or on the arches. The most common way is on the arches. Just check the bottoms of your boots. I’ll tell you right up front that being comfortable riding on the balls of the feet takes a lot of practice. But when a rider does become comfortable with this technique there are three benefits to it. # 1 you have more body travel, #2 you won’t hit the shifter or rear brake by accident and #3 you won’t get your feet ripped off the foot pegs from your toe hitting the dirt. As I said, for this technique to become natural its takes a lot of the correct type of practice. So don’t throw it out the window if you really want to learn the correct way.

It’s kind of like down hill skiing. It’s easier to keep your feet farther apart when you are a beginner but the pros keep their skis closer together. One place the pros are always on the balls of their feet is through the whoops. If it can be done through the whoops it can be done anywhere on the track.

The only acceptation is if you're going to land hard from a jump or even case a jump. In this case you would want to be on the arches of your feet so you don't sprain your ankles. Just make sure you have your toes pointed out a little so you don't hit the shifter or rear brake by accident. It all comes with knowing the correct techniques and a lot of quality practice time. Have you checked the bottoms of your boots lately?
www.gsmxs.com

 

[TPMX #8]

Sorry Gary but i am confused on this,its just me not understanding but none the less I am confused.
Are you saying that the most common way guys ride is on the arches and this is wrong other than the hard landing situations?
It is better to ride on the balls of your feet for all other riding?
It seems to me it comes natural to ride on the balls of your feet.
Going to check the boots to see
Sorry Gary,Ill reread it a few times till I get it figured out
Thanks for taking the time to post these things

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

I remember Gary's videos emphasizing to get in the habit of riding on the balls of your feet.

Ive noticed that through rough deeply rutted areas when you are on the arches of your feet your toes will catch the ruts. When on the ball this happens less.

 

[TPMX #8]

Yeh
After I reread it it all made sense
Seems to me it would be awkward and uncomfortable to ride much on the arches of your feet

 

[Gary_Semics]

Yeh
After I reread it it all made sense
Seems to me it would be awkward and uncomfortable to ride much on the arches of your feet

I didn't say when you should be on arches or balls of the feet. The general rule of thumb, so to speak, is if your not using the shifter or brake you should be on the balls. Of course when you are using be on the arches.

I'm glad you like my riding tips, hope they help improve your enjoyment of the sport.

 

[k01]

Little footpeg era bikes were/are excellent teachers.

Do it wrong and you get immediate feedback. Ouch!

 

[TCracing]

Seems like such a trivial thing. Especially for more experienced riders or even those with bad habits or start slacking while putting around on the track. But I remember (way Back) when I was learning to ride myself, as I was developing a little speed and technic (good or bad it was my technic at the time), this riding with feet on ball or arches, created some dilemma for me for a little while. I am sure I am not the only one "we didn't have experienced elders, or schools, ect. to teach us the basics". People such as myself graduated from the school of hard knocks. Trial and error were the lessons, Pain was our mentor, and suffering, was our guide.

I quickly learned to ride on the balls of my feet, move to the arch (shift / Brake) and get back. It only takes a few real hard landings, "feet flipping into the ground", and nearly getting stripped off the bike before you start moving to the arches on those hard hits, LOL!. Truely experience is the best teacher.

Keep up the good work Mr. Semics. Its great info for those getting into the sport. Not everyone is experienced, Has the ability or finances to pay for MX school, or has someone with this info available.