- Look-look-look around the turn, and keep moving.
- Look beyond the exit of the turn, down the track.
- Remember to stay in the neutral position. Extend your legs (but don't lock them) and move your body back as needed.
- Go slow if you need to really control the turn, "rachet" if you need to but don't coast.
- Your bike will turn tighter than you think it will!
- As far as switchbacks are concerned, it helps to keep the bike as upright as possible. A tight slow speed turn is not one you want to lean into unless you have a berm to rail. To do this keep the outside arm straight at the elbow and bend the inside arm. This'll lean the bike out of the turn with your weight in balance on the inside. This also maximizes tyre contact with the ground.
- You can also have your brake levers adjusted in for a shorter reach, it improves cornering especially on switchbacks. With a more comfortable reach, you have much more control with feathering and modulating the front brake. This has helped my cornering immensely: Use both front and back to control your turn.
- Be sure you are out of the saddle, move your weight back if it's steep.
To get good Skills, take the time to practice, on some of your rides play with things you want to improve at. Sometimes, stop at technical features and attempt new things. Stop at a nasty switchback, or a difficult corner, or steep rocks and attempt them, over and over until you feel confident. Stop and play, without the pressure to finish the ride and move down the track.
Becoming a good rider doesn't happen overnight. Some of us have to work hard to gain skills and confidence. Ride a lot, stay at it, have fun, set goals. Set one or two skills goals a season, and focus on those.
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Johannesburg Mountain Bicycle Club 
