Challenging program for Mao
- Thread starter gio
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2006
well that is VERY challanging. I think that the program that she has now is pretty much tops in terms of challanging. Don't forget that it's not just the jumps. Her spins and footwork and spirals are all high level as well!
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2007
As much as Asada impresses me with technique - I would prefer if she improves spins and interpretation before planning a program like that one.
Apart from that - her current jump-layout is the most difficult one among the ladies anyway and she certainly can improve her execution on that one too. She has a habit of double-footing her jumps, her Triple-Toe is shaky and sometimes underrotated, her Triple Salchow is not existent, she has a bad flutz and her Triple Axel is only halfway reliable. I would prefer a well-rounded technically sound Asada over one who may be able to win the Bronze among the men with the jump content of her program but will go down in history as the girl who had the most ambitious programs but never really executed / performed them well.
Apart from that - her current jump-layout is the most difficult one among the ladies anyway and she certainly can improve her execution on that one too. She has a habit of double-footing her jumps, her Triple-Toe is shaky and sometimes underrotated, her Triple Salchow is not existent, she has a bad flutz and her Triple Axel is only halfway reliable. I would prefer a well-rounded technically sound Asada over one who may be able to win the Bronze among the men with the jump content of her program but will go down in history as the girl who had the most ambitious programs but never really executed / performed them well.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2004
I'd like to see her get five secure basic triples (without a major flutz and not including the axel) first.
Similarly, I'd rather see a program with 5 different triples and no 3-3 than a program with an 3-axel or a 3-3 but missing a basic triple (salchow for Asada, loop for Kim).
Similarly, I'd rather see a program with 5 different triples and no 3-3 than a program with an 3-axel or a 3-3 but missing a basic triple (salchow for Asada, loop for Kim).
I understand the desire of wanting to see a full arsenal of jumps instead of having ones missing -- ideally I'd love to see tons of amazing skaters with all six triples as well as great spins/spirals/footwork/transition/SS/choreography/etc.
But why is missing the salchow or loop worse than missing the axel? After all the axel is harder than the other jumps. So if you are restricted to having a 5-jump arsenal, surely it is better to miss an easy jump than a hard jump, since not only do you score higher, but it's more exciting for (most) spectators too?
well, no woman is perfect 
))
as you already mentioned: some have got the axel, others tons of salchows and toes.
to me mao and yu-na are the best ladies, figure skating has ever seen. great jumps, great artistry.
and me personally, well i love mao. because, she's made such an improvement ! if you see, how fluently she goes to her programms... how much better her programms are this season in comparison to last season. and how much she improved over the past years !!! just love her. love her personnality, her smile. and i sincerely wish her all the best !!!
))as you already mentioned: some have got the axel, others tons of salchows and toes.
to me mao and yu-na are the best ladies, figure skating has ever seen. great jumps, great artistry.
and me personally, well i love mao. because, she's made such an improvement ! if you see, how fluently she goes to her programms... how much better her programms are this season in comparison to last season. and how much she improved over the past years !!! just love her. love her personnality, her smile. and i sincerely wish her all the best !!!
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2006
Compared to the other girls, there isn't a whole lot Mao needs to improve on regarding spins/footwork. Her spins have a lot of variety and positions and her footwork is arguably the hardest to perform because her entire body is in constant motion.
And style-wise, you can't really compare her and Yu-Na Kim because while they're both excellent skaters, they both have distinctly different styles and though I do have a preference, I don't believe either one is necessarily better than the other.
In my opinion, Mao has an advantage over Yu-Na in the fact that she hasn't had a lot of injuries. A broken finger (?) is pretty minor compared to hip/back problems. *knock on wood*
And style-wise, you can't really compare her and Yu-Na Kim because while they're both excellent skaters, they both have distinctly different styles and though I do have a preference, I don't believe either one is necessarily better than the other.
In my opinion, Mao has an advantage over Yu-Na in the fact that she hasn't had a lot of injuries. A broken finger (?) is pretty minor compared to hip/back problems. *knock on wood*
Yeah, *knock wood* indeed! Don't jinx her.
That said, I did always feel, from when I first set my eyes on Yu-na, that she seemed "delicate" -- that delicacy added to the enjoyment of her performance, but it did kinda make me worry that she may be physically a bit vulnerable. In contrast, Mao's built seems pretty robust. *knock wood some more*
Yeah, *knock wood* indeed! Don't jinx her.
That said, I did always feel, from when I first set my eyes on Yu-na, that she seemed "delicate" -- that delicacy added to the enjoyment of her performance, but it did kinda make me worry that she may be physically a bit vulnerable. In contrast, Mao's built seems pretty robust. *knock wood some more*
Interesting comparison between Mao and Kim. I think the difference is their body types and that comes out in their style of skating. Mao is a mesomorph and Kim is an ectomorph. Personally, I like the ectomorph body type for skating because of the long lines and Kim certainly has that.
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2007
I don't really see the difference between Mao & YuNa's body type. Mao looks just as lean and long limbed to me, and I certainly don't see Mao's body type as being mesomorph. To me, Ashley Wagner is mesomorph.
The thing about YuNa is that when she skates, you don't feel that she's delicate. Her jumps certainly aren't delicate.
The thing about YuNa is that when she skates, you don't feel that she's delicate. Her jumps certainly aren't delicate.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2006
When you're comparing Mao and Yu-Na using the term 'delicate', I've always thought Mao as being a more delicate skate in her movements. Yu-Na moves with more power or 'firmness' (or snap) in her strokes. Mao is the one with the flexibility and long lines (spiral s and laybacks) but Yu-Na has the arm movements and her transitions blend a bit better.
I think what Rafael Arutunian says, comparing Mao on ice to a fish in the water, that has some merit.
Also, not sure if it's OT, but I don't think Mao needs a salchow and I don't think Yu-Na needs a loop. I'm sure people would like to see them, but they're well rounded in other areas and their skating doesn't need to be defined by one jump (or lackthereof).
ETA: There was news in the summer of 2007 where Mao didn't attend an exhibition (Dreams on Ice?) because she broke a finger. From what I recall, it was a minor injury.
I think what Rafael Arutunian says, comparing Mao on ice to a fish in the water, that has some merit.
Also, not sure if it's OT, but I don't think Mao needs a salchow and I don't think Yu-Na needs a loop. I'm sure people would like to see them, but they're well rounded in other areas and their skating doesn't need to be defined by one jump (or lackthereof).
ETA: There was news in the summer of 2007 where Mao didn't attend an exhibition (Dreams on Ice?) because she broke a finger. From what I recall, it was a minor injury.
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
Well, I won't be holding my breath until Mao or any aother lady does all that in a single program!
If she substituted a triple loop for her 3A combo she would still be out of sight point-wise.
But I do hope she will whip her Salchow into shape so she can be the first lady to do an 8-triple program.
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2007
After watching Mao's performance at 4CC, I think this layout is not totally impossible, her 3A is back with such quality than ever, but I don't think 3T as a second jump is smart call for Mao. Anyway Mao's certainly capable of pulling two 3As program. It's just somewhat risky.
BTW there was a media report that Yuna resumed training today, non-jump runthrough and fortunately she isn't feeling pain while skating. It seems she'll be staying in Korea until Worlds for her medical treatment and GOD!!! MERCY, PLEASE!!!
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