Popping off the bike.
A preface to learning tricks.

  One of most important aspects of doing big FMX tricks is the "pop" you use to push yourself off and away from the bike. Not all riders pop alot, nor do all riders need to. However, popping off the bike, or at least knowing how to get away from the motorcycle is probably the most important fundamental skill used when doing tricks. I recently was realizing that many professionals acknowledge this, but to a degree I think we all take it for granted. It's something we have learned over time while working up to doing the tricks we do, and we often don't realize that to some riders popping may not come as naturally.

  A method I have been working on to help new riders become familiar with popping is pretty simple. As you hit the ramp, allow your knees and elbows to compress slightly. Don't allow your crotch to come all the way to the seat, but allow your limbs to give just enough so that as your front tire is leaving the ramp you can decompress your arms and legs slightly. All together your upper body will probably move a couple inches to and from the bike. Do this enough so that it feels as natural as it can, and over the course of an afternoon work on this motion so that as both tires are airborn you can bring your heels up and touch your rear end. Keep in mind that you want to "pop" so that bringing your heels up and getting them high does not take much (if any) effort. You want this effort to take place on the ramp (and just as your bike is leaving the ramp). Do the work on the ramp so that you don't need to do much work in the air. Riders with good pop make tricks look effortless and not rushed, and their extension is better.

While working on your pop, you'll probably look like this at some point. My feet have bounced (or "popped") off the pegs, and I am in control of the motorcycle using my shoulders/arms. Notice that once your pop is perfected and your feet are above the seat, you can put them wherever you want: to the side, behind, in front, or above you.