Pictures are worth 1000 words.

This is descending as we teach it. Maybe saying "hips back" is a little overkill. It's always about where your center of gravity is. The point is that the rider isn't behind the saddle, but centered, and that the front of the bike is still weighted. The rider is extended, not crouched behind the saddle, which we all agree is bad/ineffective form in most situations.



This is how we teach switchbacks. Legs extended, weight centered and over pedals but hips a little back, looking around the corner, feathering brakes and front end of the bike controlled.



Again, this is Canadian style, which a little different than what is taught most places in the states.