- Joined
- Mar 28, 2014
But the real question, IMHO, is why do we think that ladies are genetically better spiralers and laybackers than gentlemen? I don't think that men inherently have less flexible backs or worse edge control. The reason (don't shoot the messenger ) that spirals and layback spins are traditionally regarded as "ladies" elements, is that ladies look so pretty doing them.
Because they are.
Similar to the question on why ladies are better spinners than men as a whole, the answer is balance. Women have lower centers of gravity compared to the men because of their hips, meaning they can balance themselves better to create for an easier spin (or spiral) and as a result can do more difficult spin positions (IE, a layback, COE spiral). Some men can do those difficult variations (like a Biellmann) because of practice, practice, practice (Sawyer for spirals; Plushenko, Hanyu, Lambiel for spins); but it's not as natural for them as it is for ladies who have an inherent biomechanical advantage.
And likewise for the men, they have the biological advantage of increased muscle mass on their upper bodies (which in turn leads to their higher center of gravity). At one point, your legs just aren't strong enough to power a 3A or quad jump so you have to use your upper body to help you. This is why we have seen so few female skaters land these jumps.
So if you were a man, would you rather: train jumps that garner lots of points or train spins/spirals that don't garner as much and aren't even required?