Riding Off Drops - Mountain Bike Zen
Drop Offs - Take Aim and Fly
Rule number one of drop off club is look where you are going to land. It is too easy to get distracted by what you are riding over and not what you are riding to. In general with any riding you will end up riding to where you are looking to and if that is down that's where you're gonna go.
When you land you will want either both wheels to hit at the same time or the back wheel to hit first. Your first drop offs you should be aiming for both at the same time. In order to get both wheels to land at the same time you need to approach the drop and before the drop pull back on the bars to raise your front wheel a little as it crosses the edge of the drop and lean back with your butt so your weight is more over the rear wheel. This will keep your front wheel up as you enter the air and stop it nosediving straight down which is definitely what you want to avoid.
As you land your legs and arms should be bent as always, relaxed and ready to bend with the impact. Be aware of what is coming after the landing too and don't just land and then deal with the next bit as it will be too late.
Never try drop offs you don't feel confident about, start small and work your way up, if you go for something beyond your ability you will crash and it will shake your confidence. Technique is only useful when combined with confidence.