3 cycling Drills to corner like a pro
Most riders know the feeling of tensing up and hoping for the best before a corner.
However, when you understand how to handle your bike and you learn to ride with flow- saving energy, holding your line and remaining predictable and safe in unpredictable bunches or descents, becomes a breeze.
The drills below will help you build confidence and control in a low-pressure environment before taking it to the road or trail. But first, let’s start with a simple framework for cornering:
The 6 L’s of Cornering
Look – Your eyes lead the way. The bike follows your vision.
Lean – Let the bike lean beneath you while your body stays stable.
Line – Choose a smooth, predictable path that sets up your exit.
Lock – Drive your outside leg down and locked to anchor your weight and hold grip.
Low – Stay relaxed and low over the bike to improve traction and stability.
Launch – Once upright, add steady pressure through the pedals to accelerate out.
Now let’s put that framework into action with the following drills:
1. Look-Through Drill
Goal: Train your eyes to lead your line.
How:
Set up three or four bottles or cones 5–10 metres apart on a gentle curve.
Keep your head up and focus your eyes on the exit of the turn, not your front wheel.
Turn your head fully through the corner.
Repeat until it feels automatic.
Coaching Tip: Your bike goes where your eyes go. The earlier you look through the corner, the smoother your path will be. And the steeper the apex the quicker you should look through the corner.
2. Lean and Counterbalance
Goal: Learn to trust the lean and stay balanced.
How:
Find an empty carpark or open path.
Ride at low speed and gently lean your bike beneath you.
Keep your hips centred, inside elbow soft, and outside foot down.
Let the bike move while your body stays upright.
Progression: Add speed or lean angle as you get more confident.
Focus: Lean and Low. Keep your body relaxed but centred over the bike.
3. Figure-8s
Goal: Build rhythm, balance, and control linking both directions.
How:
Place two cones around 10 metres apart.
Ride continuous figure-8s, keeping your eyes up and pedalling lightly.
Stay smooth through transitions between left and right.
Adjust spacing to increase difficulty.
Focus: Line, Lock, and Lean. You’ll feel how outside leg pressure keeps you stable while your line stays consistent.
Putting It All Together
Cornering comes down to repetition and awareness. The more you practise at low speeds, the more automatic it becomes when things get faster.
Start with one drill at a time. Focus on how your body feels, where your eyes are looking, and how the tyres grip. Confidence comes from time on the bike, not from luck.
If you want guidance or feedback, join a Baseline skills workshop or book a one-on-one session. We’ll help you link these drills together on real roads and trails so you can ride with more control and flow.
