So we all know that into current point systems, sequences are given 20% lesser value versus true jump combinations. To most extent, I consider this fair especially for in between moves such as hops and steps.
However, I still think the half-loop is still not given enough credit for connecting jumps. A skater must maintain great speed and balance in order to successfully compete jump sequences with a half loop. If the first jump of is even off a little bit, the entire jump sequence is bound to collapse. I've seen just as many skater fail doing half-loop jump sequences as those who do combinations.
For example: Look at Yagudin attempt this very difficult Triple Axle - half loop - Triple Salchow combination about 1:25 into the program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwy-pNScPA4&feature=related
He was simply way off balance coming out of the axle. He could have "save" sequence by doing a step than a Triple Toe, but opted a more difficult sequence.
One of the most amazing jumping pass was Plushenko's Triple Axle-half loop - Triple Flip: 1:25 into the program
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zOv8NgVNdY
And that was suppose to as easier than a Triple Axle - T.Toe combo? Mind as well just do the Axle, take a few strokes, then do the Flip to get complete points.
Here is Shizuka Arakwa Triple Toe - half loop - T.Toe sequence, 3:30 into the program in 1999:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTu6SpuS3JQ&feature=related
Once again, much more difficult to maintain a strong edge between the sequence, rather than doing a hop or steps.
Once could argue true combinations are more difficult than sequences. However, I just think that sequences themselves have a strong enough difficulty range that connecting moves such as the half-loop should garner more credit. Maybe have it count as 90% of jumping pass, or better yet be score equal as a combination.
As the Code of Points continue to change and evolve, hopefully ISU will one day recognize this issue.
However, I still think the half-loop is still not given enough credit for connecting jumps. A skater must maintain great speed and balance in order to successfully compete jump sequences with a half loop. If the first jump of is even off a little bit, the entire jump sequence is bound to collapse. I've seen just as many skater fail doing half-loop jump sequences as those who do combinations.
For example: Look at Yagudin attempt this very difficult Triple Axle - half loop - Triple Salchow combination about 1:25 into the program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwy-pNScPA4&feature=related
He was simply way off balance coming out of the axle. He could have "save" sequence by doing a step than a Triple Toe, but opted a more difficult sequence.
One of the most amazing jumping pass was Plushenko's Triple Axle-half loop - Triple Flip: 1:25 into the program
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zOv8NgVNdY
And that was suppose to as easier than a Triple Axle - T.Toe combo? Mind as well just do the Axle, take a few strokes, then do the Flip to get complete points.
Here is Shizuka Arakwa Triple Toe - half loop - T.Toe sequence, 3:30 into the program in 1999:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTu6SpuS3JQ&feature=related
Once again, much more difficult to maintain a strong edge between the sequence, rather than doing a hop or steps.
Once could argue true combinations are more difficult than sequences. However, I just think that sequences themselves have a strong enough difficulty range that connecting moves such as the half-loop should garner more credit. Maybe have it count as 90% of jumping pass, or better yet be score equal as a combination.
As the Code of Points continue to change and evolve, hopefully ISU will one day recognize this issue.