2020-21 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[Amei]

The long approach is good because you have a time to concentrate on the jump as it is and do it the best you can 'technically'. However, the 'performance' aspect of the jump and the whole programme are suffering because of it.

Yes, Tuktamysheva may have a 'better' lutz edge but she sets in for the jump forever and skates into and out of the jump with no type of transitions, which is why she doesn't get the good GOE. It's why I'm not bothered a ton by a lot of "small" jumps, as long as they flow nicely in the program vs. big jumps that take the whole length of the rink to setup.

 

[Baron Vladimir]

True. It used to look very awkward doing a Lutz back in those days. Not very choreography friendly.

It seems though that the ISU have accepted the "new" Lutz, which is understandable as it was already the standard when the IJS system came. I wonder though, if the ISU would make a rule that the outside edge of the Lutz should be at least 2-3 seconds (or something), then we wouldn't have this eternal edge calls discussions.

Well Caro was getting good scores for her ten seconds lutz, so i guess both strategies are fine. For me personally, that lutz is the
major thing (beside the falls) which distracted me from her wonderfall performances.

 

[Ophelia]

Yes, Tuktamysheva may have a 'better' lutz edge but she sets in for the jump forever and skates into and out of the jump with no type of transitions, which is why she doesn't get the good GOE. It's why I'm not bothered a ton by a lot of "small" jumps, as long as they flow nicely in the program vs. big jumps that take the whole length of the rink to setup.

Despite Tukt's excellent jump technique, I've never enjoyed watching her jumps because of how much she telegraphs. She does an entire 360 to set up for her 3A.

 

[Jontor]

Despite Tukt's excellent jump technique, I've never enjoyed watching her jumps because of how much she telegraphs. She does an entire 360 to set up for her 3A.

Most skaters have a similiar technique for their 3A's. I think Kostornaia was a bit revolutionary last year with her wonderful entrance into the 3A.

 

[Tolstoj]

Valieva's Bolero is scary and weird.

I guess the direction they are going for is nice difficult positions on the note, similar to Tarasova / Morozov last season except half the time she was not on the music and there is a weird empty section in the second half where it was just jumps.

Either she forgot the choreo or it is still to be done. (which is okay at this stage, not the only case here)

What bothers me the most is the lack of facial expression, especially compared to Kostner or even Tuktamysheva's bolero which were very intense on the performance.

 

[Ophelia]

Bolero is not Valieva's vibe - the music and beat overpowers her. I can see Tukt pulling it off but not Valieva. She needs different programs. I think she may be a good fit for floaty, abstract music ala Papadakis/Cizeron.

 

[Amei]

I guess the direction they are going for is nice difficult positions on the note, similar to Tarasova / Morozov last season except half the time she was not on the music and there is a weird empty section in the second half where it was just jumps.

Either she forgot the choreo or it is still to be done.

What bothers me the most is the lack of facial expression, especially compared to Kostner or even Tuktamysheva's bolero which were very intense on the performance.

Well she is still only 14, I hope they did Bolero with the intention that they are going to have her use it for 2 years to grow into it; I actually got that impression by several of the programs that the Eteri juniors have. But that's 1 of her weaknesses is that she doesn't change her facial expression; it was really noticeable yesterday skating after Shcherbakova who is quite expressive with her face.

 

[Baron Vladimir]

Yes, Tuktamysheva may have a 'better' lutz edge but she sets in for the jump forever and skates into and out of the jump with no type of transitions, which is why she doesn't get the good GOE. It's why I'm not bothered a ton by a lot of "small" jumps, as long as they flow nicely in the program vs. big jumps that take the whole length of the rink to setup.

Yes, that is a problem with her jumps sometimes. But the preparaton for the jump will depend the most of the day of the competition, on how much the skater is nervous and how much is ready not to be distracted by the jumps only. I think the biggest problem with her jumps is in a technique of the jumping. She is jumping with too much height and no distance, so her jumps doesn't cover a lot of ice, not to say it is hard to attach a combo on that type of a jump. That is because she is jumping only with her legs, without using the upper body enough.

 

[Mathman]

I personally enjoy the long set-up immensely. The only thing better than a long beautiful extended edge on the approach is a long beautiful extended edge on the landing. The former says, wait for it, wait for it, are you ready? HERE IT IS!!! The latter says -- a triple Lutz? That's child's play, I can hold the landing with perfect security all day long.

When men first started doing the triple Axel, they approached the element the same way. It was usually their first jump and they took their sweet time and put a spotlight on it. "Look at this, everybody!" Later on, when everyone (men) were doing triple Axels, even juniors, the effort to create a TA DA moment was abandoned and it was just another jump.

As for the counter-rotation, I think that this requires a lot of upper body strength. Men always have better form (and a better outside edge) than ladies. A little slip of a girl like Kamila Valieva or Anna Shcherbakova is at a relative disadvantage. They have to make it work the best way they can rather than relying on just muscling themselves into the air, wrenching about in the wrong direction on the way up..

 

[Jontor]

Yes, that is a problem with her jumps sometimes. But I think the preparaton for the jump will depend the most of the day of the competition, on how much the skater is nervous and how much is ready not to be distracted by the jumps only. I think the biggest problem with her jumps is in a technique of the jump. She jumps with too much height and no distance, so her jumps doesn't cover a lot of ice, not to say it is hard to attach a combo on that type of a jump. That is because she jumps only with her legs, without using the upper body enough,.

Very true. And we didn't see a single combination from Tukt this weekend, except from that 3Lz-2A seq. She needs to work on that. Even if it's just a 3T+3T it is better pointwise. She and Mishin really needs to update themselves on how the system works when it comes to scoring points. That 2A seq is actually losing points. Maybe they just don't understand? Maybe they need some help with the maths? (Maybe Mathman can help?)

 

[Scott512]

Valieva's Bolero is scary and weird.

Unique is a better word. It’s only the beginning and she will get better at it and they were parts of it that I liked.

Well she is still only 14, I hope they did Bolero with the intention that they are going to have her use it for 2 years to grow into it; I actually got that impression by several of the programs that the Eteri juniors have. But that's 1 of her weaknesses is that she doesn't change her facial expression; it was really noticeable yesterday skating after Shcherbakova who is quite expressive with her face.

The reality is she need some time to develop those facial expressions. Kamila has a lot going for her. Aliona as super as she is does not have the emotion and interpretation of Anna but she is still great. The same thing happen for KV.

I just want to say thank you to all the skaters and their coaches who went to open skates with thousands of people in the arena. I hope everyone stays healthy and has great seasons
.

 

[Thrashergurl]

Medvedeva certainly has terrible luck and has injuries at the worst times in her career. I genuinely feel bad for her. She clearly loves skating and has a true passion for it, or she would’ve quit long ago. She reminds me of Michelle Kwan in this way. I hope someday she is able to realize that she has so much to offer outside of competitive skating. I could see her as a successful commentator or something in broadcast or television . She has such a vivacious personality. I hope she heals and has a good season.

Aliona seems to be having that same bad luck with the injuries. I hope she is able to skate injury free.

Sasha is a spitfire. I’m loving that she’s proving people wrong this season.

Liza was Liza. I think she’s underrated in so many ways, but will need something more to beat the little ones.

I agree that Bolero isn’t the program for Kamila. But, didn’t Eteri have Alina recycle her programs for the Olympics, and doesn’t Kamila also tend to recycle hers? I can see Eteri recycling this as it’s seems her pattern.

Anna’s program kinda reminds me of all her others.

 

[Amei]

Very true. And we didn't see a single combination from Tukt this weekend, except from that 3Lz-2A seq. She needs to work on that. Even if it's just a 3T+3T it is better pointwise. She and Mishin really needs to update themselves on how the system works when it comes to scoring points. That 2A seq is actually losing points. Maybe they just don't understand? Maybe they need some help with the maths? (Maybe Mathman can help?)

I think/hope the lack of combination was because this is just test skates to get feedback on the program, but 1 of the things that has been mentioned all the time with Tuktamysheva/Mishin is that they poorly plan her program layout. Yes, she does the triple axel but every other jump she does is low-valued and because she doesn't do any type of transitions in/out of the jumps she also rarely gets really good GOE. I was a bit hopeful that she and Mishin had finally seen the light when someone mentioned that she back-loaded the triple axel in the SP at the St. Petersburg event a few weeks ago. If it's a stamina issue then why haven't they worked on progressing her to do more back-loading/difficult jumps over the last few years since she does a lot of Challenger/minor competitions.

 

[silveruskate]

I guess the direction they are going for is nice difficult positions on the note, similar to Tarasova / Morozov last season except half the time she was not on the music and there is a weird empty section in the second half where it was just jumps.

Either she forgot the choreo or it is still to be done. (which is okay at this stage, not the only case here)

What bothers me the most is the lack of facial expression, especially compared to Kostner or even Tuktamysheva's bolero which were very intense on the performance.

Have to remember it's still test skates, but when you have an iconic performance like Carolina Kostner - at the Olympics no less, then this decision looks a little stupid. No fault of Valieva and she's a great skater already and if she is up for the battle she could really think her way into getting that program where it should be.

 

[readernick]

Great job to all the ladies for doing well during a difficult period. In terms of who looks the best right now, I think the obvious answer is Sasha. Her 4T is stable. Her 3Lz3Lo looked great. The SP was an improvement artistically. Program wise, I like Med's LP the most. It looks interesting. I enjoyed Med's mature outlook on test skates. She realizes they don't really matter in the long run. I also like Sofia's weird SP. She should not have skated with a fever. Where are the adults in the room?

The biggest miss for me is Valieva's LP. She is an amazing skater but you shouldn't make a 14 year old skate to Bolero, and compete against the image people have of a mature Carolina skating to the same program. Anna looked beautiful throughout. I do think her growth highlights the weakness in her SS, but I believe she will work on it. A few of the jumps also looked UR or borderline. She has grown and it will take time to adjust her technique, but I believe she is a incredibly hard worker.

 

[Jontor]

I suspect that Valieva's Bolero is probably here to stay. If she refines it, it will be a great program for next olympic season.

 

[silveruskate]

Kamila's 4T really is incredible, better than Sasha's I would say? Like Kolyada/Boyang Jin 4Lutz level. So impressive, but should she make it smaller... although it could have been a freak accident the first 4T it looked very difficult to control.

 

[readernick]

Kamila's 4T really is incredible, better than Sasha's I would say? Like Kolyada/Boyang Jin 4Lutz level. So impressive, but should she make it smaller... although it could have been a freak accident the first 4T it looked very difficult to control.

It wasn't the height on the 4T that was the problem. It was the axis. I agree her 4T can be the best ladies' quad at times, but she has a tendency to have a bad axis on the jump. This leads to her landing on the wrong edge sometimes and to those scary falls. I think the height is great, the axis needs to be adjusted.

 

[BearryBear]

I feel like it would have been best for Med to use her programs from last season. She didn't really get to show them off at Nationals last year. She also has to skate the first two cup events, which are in the next few weeks. There just wasn't really enough time to learn the new programs and have them up to competition level with the downtime, injuries and being away from her coaches.

 

[dunffvanstorn]

Kamila's 4T really is incredible, better than Sasha's I would say? Like Kolyada/Boyang Jin 4Lutz level. So impressive, but should she make it smaller... although it could have been a freak accident the first 4T it looked very difficult to control.

Full blade assisted + prerrotated though...