Have you gone back and watched Nikodinov, Cohen, and SHughes do non-catchfoot laybacks? Their back and free leg positions are WONDERFUL as are the overall effect of the spins.I loathe butt spins, ugly catchfoots-for-the-sake-of-a-level, and non-catchfoot laybacks.
Have you gone back and watched Nikodinov, Cohen, and SHughes do non-catchfoot laybacks? Their back and free leg positions are WONDERFUL as are the overall effect of the spins.
But to get your levels, you have to hoist your foot up there, even if there's going to be long term damage to your person...I agree. And on that note, strained catchfoot laybacks are the worst, too, along with strained Biellmanns. If you don't have the flexibility, you can still do a lovely layback or even if you don't have as much leg height or back arch, at least make it an elegant layback with your hands like Rochette or Kwan.
But to get your levels, you have to hoist your foot up there, even if there's going to be long term damage to your person...
Did you forget Lambiel????? I love his every spins! He is the best!
The Bielmann. By anybody, including Bielmann. I think it is the most ugly position to be in. The next ugliest would be the Sandhu "A-spin" or whatever it's called. Again, a truly ugly position for any skater. Also not a fan of the sit spin with the arms sticking down through the legs.
I think some Biellmanns are actually quite lovely. Radionova's double catchfoot layback and Biellmann position I forgot to include in my original list http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvgEAJan0nw&t=1m57s
Michelle's ... Martini spin