Walter & Group......
Gordy,
First contribution.
Largely I agree with Rick that wrist needs to be de-emphasized for
beginners until they have a problem. The not teaching any wrist motion
aspect is usually a temporary illusion as the casting soon gets too low of
back casts and snapping lines from excess radial deviation and too short a
pause. Then we usually are trying to inhibit excess wrist motion -
enhanced wrist control.
As casters get more skill, the wrist becomes much more critical. It is
critical because for ordinary distances the total range of ulnar-radial
deviation is less than 40 degrees. When to emphasize the wrist motion
(late in the cast) may exceed range of rotation as people get higher skill
levels.
As you see attempts for maximum distance (Paul Arden flip-flop), the late
wrist rotation and required solid wrist stopping power make wrist function
a larger part of overall rotation of the rod in a, typically, larger rod
tip arc. Even in shorter arc styles (Steve Rajeff) the stopping force of
the wrist is very powerful.
I like to think that the stop is perhaps more critical than moving parts
of the cast as the foundation for the next move. Especially true of longer
rods and higher line weights.
When stopping is perceived as a neutralization of the center of gravity (2
cm anterior to S-2 for biomechanics thinkers, or a hand breadth behind and
below your navel), the realization of the high force change to body mass
volume is probably highest at the wrist. At least my smaller joints get
sore quickest from lots of distance casting.
It seems that back cast stopping power is initiated at the psoas muscles
(front of the lower spine) and transmitted centrifugally toward the rod
hand. The stresses inherent can lead to discomfort that often translates
as creep to avoid or reduce strain at the shoulder or elbow - but maybe
even in the lumbar spine as "body creep". In some of these cases the arm &
wrist may be the safety valve allowing motion with low energy requirements
due to small mass.
This is getting too "biomedicalmechanical". Let's just say the stop is
only finished at the wrist/hand complex as part of an abrupt total body
reduction in momentum. So stopping requires as much counterforce over s
shorter period of time than acceleration. Most of the casting injuries I
see are in "stopping" structures. Most of those in smaller mass structures
like the wrist & elbow. Yeah, the wrist becomes more important the more
you learn.
Thanks,
Gary
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Gary....
A couple of brief comments on your message.
As you point out, one way of handling the problem of, "wristing" (an out of control wrist) is to wait until a problem develops. Another school of thought is to pre-empt by teaching wrist control right at the start. Joan Wulff uses the latter method with great success.
Having said that, I'll point out that across the board, the most common error with beginner casters is an out of control wrist......especially on the back cast.
Gary Borger has pointed out that his "3-point grip" tends to minimize this problem.
One simple solution I've used, is to have the student squeeze the thumb and forfinger of the casting hand in a pinch grip at the end of the back cast.
Others have used various forms of restriction such as wrist straps, tucking the butt end of the rod into a sleeve cuff, or turning the reel over, etc, etc. I look at all these as sort of, "bandaid fixes" the value of which may well not carry over very long.
We've had many discussions in the past about the, "STOP". Paul Arden pointed out that good casters get as close to a stop as they can....but that in reality the best of them end up with an, "almost stop" which is really very rapid deceleration.
As an Orthopaedic surgeon, I do agree with your thoughts on biomechanics. Interesting to think of the basic differences in the use of various muscle groups between casters who do so from the sitting position as compared to those who sit.+
Gordy