Don't Look Down

Lesson today!

Movez - We started with some Silver MITF since we haven't touched them in a while. There were some things I wanted him to look at that I think went a little downhill since the last time he saw them. We began with the cross strokes. The forward strokes really need more of an emphasis on the underpush extension and the backward strokes were a little rushed. I think I'm rushing them because I feel like I'm loosing momentum so I really need to make the push stronger and then hoooold the free leg out before bringing it back for the stroke. Next up were the power pulls. We didn't look at the backward pulls because I think I'm doing okay on those but the forward pulls need a lot more work. I had a couple on my good leg where I could hear the rip but mostly I'm just snaking along and not pulling enough. These are getting there, though, and they are definitely better now than when I started working on them in the fall.

Jumpz - I just wanted him to take a look at the flip jump. I'm still struggling. He says they really aren't that bad but I think he's just being kind. Personally, I think they are a pile of hot trash. Since I've been working on the forward 3 turn entry in practice, I wanted him to look to see if I'm even doing it correctly. He actually prefers this entrance anyway so this is what I'll work on from now on. So, according to Christopher, I need to flatten out the 3 turn, hold the check, and don't mule kick my picking leg out behind me so much. He made a good observation today which kind of changes things. He noticed that when I pick in, I'm looking down at the ice which is causing my upper body to pitch forward. No wonder I'm struggling! I tried another one and forced myself to look out straight ahead and the jump felt much easier! This is something I'm really going to have to remember to focus on in my practice sessions. Hopefully, this one thing will result in some improvement.

Devilz - We talked a bit about which jumps to include. We already have a loop jump and a salchow so he might add a loop-toe combo and a flip jump to round it out. Cool. We were running a bit short on time so we didn't add much to the choreography today but he wanted to add the choreographic step sequence here. So, after I land the salchow, I do a back pivot, step forward cross stroke, RFO 3 turn with pretty extension and arms, step forward onto a LFO with pretty arms, and then RFI twizzle (and I think a ballet jump?). I'm not sure if this is it or if he'll add more. We'll see. That back pivot is going to be a struggle. Ugh.