Negoiating Switchbacks

[Irulan]

get out of the saddle; stand up a bit and bring your cg back just a little. LOOK where you want to go - eyes, neck and shoulder follow. You should be looking at the outside of the exit of the corner as that's where you want to aim for. Feather your brakes if necessary.

copied from my mtb skills page:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/pen...g/ridetips.asp

Look-look-look around the turn, and keep moving.
Look beyond the exit of the turn, down the trail
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!
Dartman added this tidbit about switchbacks: " As far as switchbacks are concerned I've found 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 tire contact with the ground."
I found that after I had my brake levers adjusted in for a shorter reach, it improved my cornering especially on switchbacks. With a more comfortable reach, I have much more control with feathering and modulating my front brake. This has helped my cornering immensely: I use both front and back to control my turn.
Be sure you are out of the saddle, move your weight back if it's steep.