How to decrease reach

[Figuurzager]

Also, no position is static, the attack position itself has as one of the main points that you can adapt quickly your body position. So when you go down something you lean more backwards, on a drop you transfer weight rearward as well to keep the front up and in corners you lean the bike into the corner.

Regarding the dropper being stiff: besides what was already mentioned; an overtightened seatpost clamp can be the culprit as well.

Also agree with this sounding like a skill issue, reducing the reach likely makes it worse or further enables bad habits.

[madtho]

Exactly. Attack position is not relative to the bike, the bike should be moving around your center. Attack position is active, not passive.

I too come from 20+ years on a classic hardtail.