My analysis of the pairs that appeared at GP so far:
D/F: I really like the way they emote themselves and the posture of their throws. Frequently GSers complain how North American skaters don't have the same balletic qualities as Russian and Chinese pairs and lamented when Yankowskas/Coughlin split, but I think this pair is probably the closest yet. They have a softness in their skating that most other U.S. pairs don't have. They need to work on their SBS though; although I understand that Denney has just recovered from an injury, their jumps weren't that solid even when they didn't have the injury back at SA 2014. They should really work on that 3S as it is really close, and then nail the 2A sequence OR explore the 3T as their BV isn't enough to match top pairs. However, clean programs is top priority, so probably only include the 3T when everything else is settled and consistent. They COULD try the 4STh, but they really need to make sure everything else is top notch consistent first, so maybe really long term plan for them.
K/O: Not sure what is going on with them. They were the American pair we never had to worry about because they had the most solid SBS jumps. Now, they are struggling to even get positive GOE on them. Their twist is slightly improving, but it isn't enough, and their 3FTh is very inconsistent and tends to lean frequently in the air, causing a lot of falls. I attribute that to technique problems. Artistic wise they really need to extend and stretch out those limbs. Maybe better programs too? :think: I'm not really over the moon with their programs. Same drill with them: work on that SBS because that should be their strength. They REALLY need a twist coach or O'Shea needs to work out more or SOMETHING, because I've been stressing this over and over that their twist really costs them. Their throw flip also needs to be reexamined; either look at what's wrong with it and fix it and make it consistent, or give up on it and go back to the loop because the different in BV isn't monstrous. I know they tried the throw quad salchow, but at this point I would just consider going clean as in the judges' eyes they aren't in S/K or D/F tier yet. They should also try to make their crossovers smoother; I think (maybe it's just me) that it looks scratchy when compared to D/F or C/T.
C/T: They have a really good connection with each other, and I really enjoy watching them. Their skating skills, IMO, are top notch, and look really smooth. What is really deterring them from ever "breaking out" and making a splash at international competitions is the tech. They need to work on those SBS; do them 20, 30 times a day, I don't care, but really those jumps are costly. Their throw 3S is gorgeous, but they need to bring out its full potential EVERY time. Need to work on the flip more as well, although I understand they got it fairly recently. After all those issues are addressed, work on the twist, because it is inconsistent as well.
P/S: When I first saw them last year, I thought they were really lovely and could fill the void left by Aaron/Settlage. Now, I think their chances of breaking through is becoming very slim with their recent last place finish at CoC. First things first, they need the twist. A double twist is just not going to cut it. Their SBS were really solid last year; now, they are really telling the world they are an American pairs team with the SBS mistakes, so again, same drill, WORK ON THOSE SBS. Can I just have a team with no SBS issues whatsoever? What is up with the pairs who originally didn't have SBS issues now all of a sudden can't land their jumps?
Their throws used to be good too, but are deteriorating. Is it because he can't dedicate enough time to skating since he has to juggle with school and work? Although I respect what he is doing, their partnership will probably not last if he can't commit. It is just the cruel reality of this sport.
Also, even though S/K hasn't appeared this season yet, some thoughts on them. They are proving to be the U.S.'s best bet in terms of international success. They have the twist, they have the throws, they have the pairs elements. They just need the SBS jumps. I would say Alexa's are generally consistent. Chris REALLY needs some work, although I can understand his height is a real hinder to rotating those jumps. My frustration is that with most of the Russian and Chinese pairs, the girl can't match the guy in terms of SBS, but in this case it's the opposite. She can do even harder SBS, like a 3T combo (consistency is yet to be determined). I would like to commend him though because he started skating really late, but in the end, same thing with the others. WORK ON YOUR SBS JUMPS.
So, moral of this long post is? We really need to work on those SBS jumps. Sigh. Notice how basically ALL of the pairs need to work on their jumps? So much, so much potential, but we just can't seem to get over the SBS hurdle.
Haven and Brandon's classic style is not like any other American pair teams.
The analysis that Tastetherainbow did was only of the US pairs that were on the Grand Prix so far (Denney/Frazier, Castelli/Tran, Pfund/Santillan, and Kayne/O'Shea) - why would they analyze the Canadian teams in the U.S. Pairs thread?
: Lots more questions than answers!...As far as G & G go, there will never ever be another G & G!
