- Joined
- Nov 19, 2010
I don't believe it's a good time for Patrick to make radical reactionary changes. His most important issue is his mind. Coming back to competition after a year's leave, he did not return to a familiar place but a very different landscape. So he has some difficulty finding his space, both in the field and in his mind. He is starting all over but this time not as a brash young prodigy. We see he can jump and perform wonderfully, even when afflicted with extreme emotions and doubts. That shows us how strong he is mentally and technically even if he slipped back a little in both areas as a new starting point.
Patrick should remember there is no need to panic in reaction to anybody else's output. He has a planned journey which may need modification but not a change of course with no direction. He has only performed his SP three times and his LP twice so far, earning a gold medal and coming in 4th at the GPF, the two full competitions he has participated at. Considering that GPF is usually his worst competition except during his incredible two year winning streak, that this is still an early stage in his comeback, that he didn't even have two full competitions by then with TEB being a very disruptive and negative situation and experience, and considering his disastrous SP, his eventual result at the GPF is very laudable and should be encouraging.
So his SP is his nemesis this season so far and adjustments are needed, maybe choreographically but definitely mentally. He needs to get the first jump perfect so as not to affect the subsequent jumps negatively and even losing credits for well executed jumps. He is able to perform entertaining extroverted programs such as Take 5, Don't Worry, Be Happy, and Moon Dance. Lori knew to weave a story and a character in a program for Patrick to relate to to portray, much in line with his personality. (Character costumes that fit help as well.) In fact, happy and entertaining programs are good for a positive mindset. Too much Mess Is Mine and music of dark feelings can seep into his psyche. If he gets the SP up to par, he can quite easily medal if he keeps up his LP standard, especially if the second quad is executed instead of a 3T.
Technically, the natural progression is of course getting his 4S competition ready, which will raise his BV and diminish Zayaking probabilities. I believe this is achievable by next season if he makes it his goal. With confidence and raised BV, he will definitely be contending for the top.
Patrick should remember there is no need to panic in reaction to anybody else's output. He has a planned journey which may need modification but not a change of course with no direction. He has only performed his SP three times and his LP twice so far, earning a gold medal and coming in 4th at the GPF, the two full competitions he has participated at. Considering that GPF is usually his worst competition except during his incredible two year winning streak, that this is still an early stage in his comeback, that he didn't even have two full competitions by then with TEB being a very disruptive and negative situation and experience, and considering his disastrous SP, his eventual result at the GPF is very laudable and should be encouraging.
So his SP is his nemesis this season so far and adjustments are needed, maybe choreographically but definitely mentally. He needs to get the first jump perfect so as not to affect the subsequent jumps negatively and even losing credits for well executed jumps. He is able to perform entertaining extroverted programs such as Take 5, Don't Worry, Be Happy, and Moon Dance. Lori knew to weave a story and a character in a program for Patrick to relate to to portray, much in line with his personality. (Character costumes that fit help as well.) In fact, happy and entertaining programs are good for a positive mindset. Too much Mess Is Mine and music of dark feelings can seep into his psyche. If he gets the SP up to par, he can quite easily medal if he keeps up his LP standard, especially if the second quad is executed instead of a 3T.
Technically, the natural progression is of course getting his 4S competition ready, which will raise his BV and diminish Zayaking probabilities. I believe this is achievable by next season if he makes it his goal. With confidence and raised BV, he will definitely be contending for the top.