Originally Posted by literocola

The pump action that you see people do is too help pick the front wheel back up. The move adds momentum by surging power from your body rather than the drivetrain.
Dont waste your time just pumping for no apperant reason. Pump to bring the wheel up.
When you feel like your going to go over backwards feather the rear brake, and regain control.
Simple eh??
Took me forever to learn these

Wheelies are a little diffrent, but simple once the light clicks on. The thing I think of when I teach friends how to roll around on the rear is this:
Fight the brake. When your about to go over the back, touch the rear brake (but keep your pedal stroke fluid)
Keep your pedal stroke smooth and consistant.
Lean back, and have faith in your brake.
Wheelies and manuals are good clean fun, and help you progress your riding in many situations.

You think wheelies and manuals are tough, try rear wheel hopping in one spot, with out going backwards or fowards. Add some trails into the mix.