Shoma Uno to train under Lambiel

[oly2018]

I don't think anyone is being negative. When Shoma broke up with his coaches, he said it was because he was no longer progressing. His jumps have not been stable in a long time and that does make Lambiel an odd choice. If all he needed was a supportive environment, why did he leave his lifelong coaches? Granted, this is all based on what we have been told. Who knows what really happened.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Shoma switch coaches again.

 

[theharleyquinn]

Ideally, this is a great move if Stephane will be able to give him more structure and discipline for his practices, warm-ups, and competitive game. I don't see this being a situation where his jump technique improves, but I think Stephane has as good (if not better) of a shot on improving everything else which could service the jumps in the long run. Shoma just needs somewhere to nest right now.

 

[Makemi]

My take on this is that at the end of last season Shoma felt that he might have been lacking technically and wanted to train around other high-level skaters (which is likely why he wanted to try Eteri's camp). But then as the season progressed I think he realized that what he really needed was someone who could provide support, structure, and motivation. So in that sense I think Stephane is an excellent choice. He can still add a jump specialist later or do specialized jump training with someone else during the summer (like he used to with Alex O.)

Anyway I'm just glad Shoma finally has a coach!

 

[TontoK]

This whole saga has been unfortunate, especially because it feels like after the disaster in France he hurriedly signed on with the next coach he had lined up to visit. It seemed at the outset like the reason for looking for a new coach was to try to improve jump consistency, but Lambiel is not the sort of coach you go to for that; the things Lambiel is an expert in, Shoma was already good at.

I have to admit this was my first thought, too.

But, I remain hopeful. Lambiel does seem to be a calm steadying influence, so this might be just what the doctor ordered. We'll see.

 

[labgoat]

I think Lambiels has much to offer - he was a tenacious competitor, who knew his strengths and weaknesses well. He accentuated his strengths in his programs maximizing his spins, footwork and choreography. He had reliable quads. As for his triple axel, he sought out Mishin for help and improved his jump enough that he was able to win an Olympic Silver. Lambiel also has a lot of interests and figured out how to balance them and train and to refocus himself after skating got stale for him. In his own skating he showed great discipline in his training. All of these in addition to his calm manner would seem to be an asset to many skaters.

 

[kolyadafan2002]

To be honest guys, I think Lambiel is a better jump coach than you guys were giving him credit for. I just think that none of his skaters are natural jumpers, and he gives his time and energy to every skater whether or not they are natural jumpers. I think that none of his skaters had good jumps under any previous coach, and that they are starting to make progress, albeit slow progress, under lambiel. Orser hasn't been able to magic jason brown a quad, and I think this may be the case in this situation.

 

[noskates]

I think Stephane was an excellent choice for Shoma. Second-guessing his decision is kind of pointless since you don't know what Shoma was looking for in a coach. Clearly he found it. I'm looking forward to more creative choreography, more self-confidence, and some beautiful skating.

 

[nussnacker]

imo, this can potentially be a positive turning point for both Lambiel and Shoma.
If Shoma does well under Lambiel, Lambiel can become an A-list coach with an influx of top-class students coming to him after that on a full-time basis.
Shoma can gain a lot from Lambiel as well, I think Lambiel can help him with his jumps in order to prime him for Beijing.
It will be a very interesting partnership!

 

[luckyu2]

Let's at least wait till the SP to make an judgement. I think Lambiel can definitely improve Shoma's overall quality of the programs. He's definitely a podium contender for Worlds/Olympics.

 

[RoyThree]

I think Lambiel is a great choice for Shoma right now. Lambiel comes across as a very nurturing coach, and every time I see Shoma lately, he looks like he just needs a hug.

 

[kolyadafan2002]

Let's at least wait till the SP to make an judgement. I think Lambiel can definitely improve Shoma's overall quality of the programs. He's definitely a podium contender for Worlds/Olympics.

Personally I use the 1 season 2competitions rule. Sometimes it can take a whole season to fix a skater who has had serious issues, and sometimes there can be fluke. I wont judge lambiels coaching unless shoma stays for him for a season, and then 2 competitions into the next season I will make a judgement. Of course, if shoma does well before then I will consider it a successful partnership, but if not then it's not the end of the world. Think about hanyu switching to orser or javier or even some of the ladies. None of them (except maybe javi so not the best example) experienced instant success.

 

[MGstyle]

I wouldn't dismiss Stephane as being an inferior coach for jumping. As it has been pointed out, none of his students had any quads when they started training with him, while Shoma already has four in his arsenal, he just needs some polishing in details to improve the quality, as well as the emotional support and general guidance, an anchor. Actually how Stephane will guide Shoma on his way to his resurgence will be equally a new challenge - and I am sure Stephane is extremely inspired by this opportunity. Shoma has always stressed he wants his programs to be well rounded, not all about just jumps but superb in all aspects. And Stephane's approach to figure skating exactly matches Shoma's philosophy. Probably this is not going to be a case of a quick fix - perhaps they are already focusing on the next season. But how things are progressing, we will witness soon enough... like this weekend!!

 

[zanadude]

Whatever Lambiel is doing it seems to be working!

What makes you say that? We haven't seen him compete since the Grand Slam, neither of which went particularly well.

Doing well in practice hasn't been the problem.

 

[rabidline]

What makes you say that? We haven't seen him compete since the Grand Slam, neither of which went particularly well.

Doing well in practice hasn't been the problem.

Grand Prix, not Grand Slam.

 

[Mishaminion]

What makes you say that? We haven't seen him compete since the Grand Slam, neither of which went particularly well.

Doing well in practice hasn't been the problem.

Landing 4Ls again, and he just seems do much more confident and relaxed, from what I've seen.

Of course actual competition will be most important.

 

[lzxnl]

Shoma looked to have done ok at least.

 

[Mishaminion]

105+ score

He was very happy!

 

[frida80]

Shona looked so confident! This looks like a good fit. Keep him.

 

[kolyadafan2002]

Just to remind everybody we arent supposed to discus competitions until they are over.

 

[Lunalovesskating]

Just to remind everybody we arent supposed to discus competitions until they are over.

We are allowed to discuss the short programs if all short programs are finished.