Step-down jump

A step-down is a jump on a motocross track or trail where the landing is lower than the take-off, often with a gap in between. Because the landing is lower, the bike stays in the air longer than on a flat jump and can carry more speed than expected.

Take off with a neutral body position and modest speed, keep the bike level or slightly nose-down, and aim to land on the down slope with the rear wheel first or both wheels together. Overshooting onto flat ground is hard on the bike and the rider.

In a rally roadbook, a step-down symbol warns of a sudden drop in the terrain, which can be dangerous at speed if you are not ready.