**Disclaimer – These are my own opinions. I’m not an FD level driver and make no claim to be near that level. I simply seem to have a knack for explaining things. These articles will be updated as I learn/clarify.

The basics of all drifting can be broken down into individual parts and techniques. Some are combined at the same time and some are performed in quick succession. Each is a tool used to control the movement of the car throughout a corner. Below is my basic diagram of the various ways to begin and modulate a drift.

This article is simply an introduction on each technique. Links will appear as I fill in the blanks and go farther in depth into each topic. I hope to get at least every technique to a reasonable explanation. Left foot braking is intentionally left out for now as I currently have no experience with it.

Initiations

Initiations are broken down into three major categories

Clutch kick or Power over: This usually is a kick since the predictability of a power over isn’t consistent or reliable in most cases. Turn the wheel, rev it up and pop the clutch while moving.

Hand brake: This is usually a preference when you’re entering a corner with too much speed as it will slow you down. Vice versa with a clutch kick entry. Turn the wheel, push in the clutch, hold up the hand brake, release both, and add throttle.

Scandinavian flick/weight transfer/feint initiations: are usually added on as a modification to a clutch kick (or power over). They can help add on angle if a clutch kick isn’t getting the job done. You’ll occasionally see this on banked tracks as getting the momentum to go up the bank to initiate can be difficult

Modulations

Drift modulations vary greatly. You only have three pedals, a steering wheel, and a hand brake so there is only. So much you can do.

Clutch kick/Power: If your car has power, this is just modulating the throttle (mostly). If you’re under powered or need instant angle, this will likely be multiple clutch kicks through a corner. Simply put, this is to gain angle and widen your line.

Hand brake: A regular hand brake pull (and hold) is great for modulating angle without adding forward momentum to your car. It’s useful in tandems.

Hand brake extension: I separate this because you pump the hand brake multiple times. This is useful for reaching from one corner to another corner. I’ve heard this referred to as a “long drift”

Braking drift: This one is a simple concept. Step on the brake, slow down. This sacrifices your corner radius so it’s really only useful for sudden decreases in corner radius. Think of the hairpin at Long Beach FD.

Left foot braking: This is using your left foot to slow down the vehicle without greatly changing angle. Mainly, this is used to slow down during high speed situations. This technique seems to be mostly useful in banks.