How to Stand on a Dirt Bike: Mastering the Attack Position
When it comes to off-road riding, one of the most important skills every rider needs to learn is how to stand on the dirt bike properly. This stance is called the attack position, and it’s the foundation for control, balance, and safety when tackling rough terrain.
In this guide, I’ll break down the attack position from the feet all the way up to the head, so you’ll know exactly where every part of your body should be.
Why Your Foot Position Matters
Most beginners naturally stand on the arches of their feet because it feels comfortable. The problem is that standing on the arches locks your ankles and removes their ability to act as suspension.
By shifting your weight onto the balls of your feet, you unlock your ankles and gain an extra 2–3 inches of suspension travel. This makes a huge difference when you’re riding over rocks, roots, bumps, or holes.
Standing on the arches also causes other problems:
Riders tend to point their toes outward to avoid hitting the brake or shifter. This “penguin stance” makes it easy to catch your foot on rocks or stumps, which can throw you off the bike or even injure your ankle.
With toes pointed out, you lose control of the inside of the bike. Instead of stabilizing the bike with your legs, you’re forced to rely on your hands — and no matter how strong you are, you can’t control a 100+ kg machine with just your arms.
Key takeaway: Always stand on the balls of your feet, toes slightly pointed in. This keeps you safe, stable, and in control.
Using Your Legs and Knees for Control
Your legs are your strongest tool for controlling the bike. By squeezing the bike with your knees and inner thighs, you create stability when moving between sitting and standing.
A common mistake is pushing your knees forward in front of your toes. This locks your ankles again and tires out your legs quickly. Instead, keep your knees slightly behind your toes to stay relaxed and maintain ankle movement.
If your bike’s plastics are scratched up from your knees, you’re doing it right — it’s a sign that you’re gripping the bike properly.
Weight Distribution and Your Hips
Your weight should be balanced across the whole bike. Keep your bum slightly back and your head in line with the handlebars so both the front and rear suspension can work together.
Arching your back (similar to a deadlift stance) is also crucial. Many riders round their backs, which causes their whole body to shake when the bike vibrates. By arching your back, you isolate movement in your lower body, allowing your legs to absorb the bumps while your upper body stays stable.
Chest, Arms, and Elbows
Your chest should stay low and close to the bike, almost parallel with the seat. A lower center of gravity helps you stick to the bike, especially in rough terrain.
With your hands, avoid gripping the bars with your fingers and thumbs like you’re carrying shopping bags. This pulls your elbows in and limits your control. Instead, grip the bars with the fatty part of your palm so your elbows stay up and out. This position allows you to steer without moving your chest and core.
Head and Vision
Finally, your head position is simple: keep it in line with the handlebars. But where you look is critical.
Don’t stare at the front mudguard or the ground — you’ll end up going where you look.
Avoid target fixation. If you lock your eyes on a tree, puddle, or obstacle, chances are you’ll ride straight into it.
Always look ahead to where you want to go, not where you don’t want to be.
Putting It All Together
The finished attack position looks like this:
Balls of your feet on the pegs
Knees squeezing the bike
Bum slightly back
Back arched
Chest low and close to the bike
Elbows up and out
Head in line with the handlebars, eyes looking ahead
This position keeps you safe, balanced, and ready for whatever the trail throws at you.
Final Thoughts
Learning the attack position is one of the best investments you can make in your riding technique. It will help you stay in control, reduce fatigue, and avoid injuries when riding motocross, enduro, or long off-road tours in places like Vietnam.
At Dirt Bike Academy, we teach these fundamentals in real riding conditions so you can build muscle memory and confidence on the trails. Whether you’re brand new to dirt biking or want to sharpen your off-road skills, mastering the attack position is the first step.
