In this Quick Tip we'll discuss the differences between your front and rear brakes, their strengths, weaknesses and what situations they are best used for. A simple but often untaught subject that alluded me for years!
Also, in the examples in the beginning, I'm only demonstrating the theory by using the front and rear brakes independently. In real life situations on steep, loose terrain like that you would most likely be using both brakes, or maybe just the rear brake to maintain speed, or even no brakes if you can handle the speed.
There are many factors involved with braking. Most of the time you'll use both brakes simultaneously. How hard you squeeze the brakes depends on how loose or slippery the terrain is. The key to building confidence is to practice on easy terrain isolating the front and rear brakes, then both together.