On a mountain bike the center chainring is suitable for the most variety of riding, provided the rider uses the entire range of the rear derailleur. With ample practice time, we get riders to click through them on command. This is often the first place where the idea of positive thinking, looking ahead, and reacting to the trail conditions ahead of time are introduced. This idea of looking and thinking ahead permeates the technical teaching philosophy of the Mountain Bike School. We advocate a lighter grip than one might think, allowing some mobility and shock absorption to the wrists and elbows.
Many riders are afraid to use the front brake.
Obviously, how the brake is applied has a lot to do with this type of crash. In most cases, it wasn't the front brake as much as the placement of body mass when the brake was applied. Top riders are very at home with their front and rear brakes, and can stay behind the bars and keep their weight from being thrown forward through even the steepest descents. The Mountain Bike School guides are trained to quickly address a rider's overall posture and tension level and freedom on the bike. Most inexperienced riders tend to be tense, tight, and immobile on the bike.