i was wondering if i am shifting correctly because when i shift down the atv makes a clunking sound and jerks a little
i take my hand off the throttle each time i shift.

is it bad to use a high gear at slow speeds succh as turns ?

 

that jerk is engine braking and you should have a little throttle so that you have a smooth shift it takes a while to get used to it but that a apart of getting used to your machine.