Backloading programs

[Nikki Lee]

Does it make the jumps more secure as the front half of the program might also be a warm-up?

 

[skatingguy]

Does it make the jumps more secure as the front half of the program might also be a warm-up?

That's not been the traditional way of looking at it, but it's possible. I've never seen Zagitova do a program that was front loaded - maybe she'd miss everything - maybe that's why she's been having problems in the short program - not enough time to get warmed up before she jumps.

 

[annie_mg]

Warmed up or tired? I would think skating is physical even if you're not jumping. Spins, transitions, etc. It's not like they are just skating around when they are backloading. But it's an interesting idea.

 

[arakwafan2006]

It depends on the skater. It’s Like asking is lifting before or after cardio easier. It depends on the athlete as well as what you train. You body will adjust. Theoretically though, jumping after the 2nd half when your body is more tired SHOULD be more difficult. To a skater who has done it that way forever,it’s all they know. If you look at Sasha Cohen’s Olympic silver medal free skate , the second flip on “ tired legs “ was landed.

I get that the rule is there thinking about a skater who perhaps tries a second quad after the halfway point should get a nod and acknowledgment from the judge. Nobody thought the Russians would be so literal or take it a preferred strategy.

I think that the rule should be modified to your most difficult jump after the halfway point would get a nod. Then, if a skater wants to backload, go for it.

 

[chantilly]

I think it needs to be that jumps aren't the only thing rewarded after the halfway mark.
It should be everything.
Skaters go on and on about footwork and how difficult it is.
Also a great spin from say a Lipnitskaya should get bonus marks.
It levels the playing field more, but since jumps are still the point getters, it still makes it worth it to do. However I do agree some sort of limit should be in place for program construction.

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

While programs designed by Eteri Tutberidze can be commended for essentially beating the system, you have to wonder five or ten years now when we look back on her programs, how memorable they will be by comparison, to say programs from Mie Hamada's group of skaters.

 

[Aerobicidal]

While programs designed by Eteri Tutberidze can be commended for essentially beating the system, you have to wonder five or ten years now when we look back on her programs, how memorable they will be by comparison, to say programs from Mie Hamada's group of skaters.

I'm pretty sure George Bush voiceovers, gasping breath voiceovers, choreographic touches like this, and facial expressions like this will stand the test of time, no matter how rigorous.

Programs like Satoko's Holst/Star Wars will age about as well as Tursynbaeva's "Papa Can You Hear Me."

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

Programs like Satoko's Holst/Star Wars will age about as well as Tursynbaeva's "Papa Can You Hear Me."

I love Satoko's Holst / Star Wars mash - up. But then, every morning at breakfast, I attach a coffee scroll to either side of my head and pretend I'm Princess Leia.

 

[misskarne]

However I do agree some sort of limit should be in place for program construction.

Nope. Let 'em do a 0-7 or 0-8 if they want and can.

It's quite funny but I think Zagitova's FS actually suits a 0-7 layout. Musically and choreographically it actually makes sense.

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

Nope. Let 'em do a 0-7 or 0-8 if they want and can.

It's quite funny but I think Zagitova's FS actually suits a 0-7 layout. Musically and choreographically it actually makes sense.

If Margot Fonteyn wasn't already dead, watching Zagitova's take on Kitri would probably have killed her.

 

[gkelly]

Assuming Slutskaya and Hughes in 2001 didn't get her first.

(I say this as a someone who generally liked both Slutskaya and Hughes and generally hates Don Quixote. Those were terrible programs.)

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

If John Curry is the gold standard for male skaters using Don Quixote, Kathy Healey is the ladies' standard for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8d2ov28Y2A&

 

[AxelAnnie]

If John Curry is the gold standard for male skaters using Don Quixote, Kathy Healey is the ladies' standard for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8d2ov28Y2A&

You sooooo got that right!

 

[Amantide]

Nope. Let 'em do a 0-7 or 0-8 if they want and can.

It's quite funny but I think Zagitova's FS actually suits a 0-7 layout. Musically and choreographically it actually makes sense.

This.
I am not a fan of backloaded programs but in her case it works perfectly because it fits with the music.

If John Curry is the gold standard for male skaters using Don Quixote, Kathy Healey is the ladies' standard for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8d2ov28Y2A&

Just lovely. Her leg extension is marvellous. This is really ballet on ice.

 

[IceAlisa]

If Margot Fonteyn wasn't already dead, watching Zagitova's take on Kitri would probably have killed her.

And Plisetskaya too. They are doing 32 fouettés in their graves.