Spey Casting and Back Problems [Archive]

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01-02-2001, 11:21 PM

<TABLE border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=100%><TR><TD nowrap width=100% valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Originator: Rick J</FONT></TD><TD nowrap valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Date: 1/2/2001 7:21 PM</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0 width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF><TR><TD><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=2><DIV><DIV>Anyone have back problems from spey casting?  I have had a bad back for 20 years that comes and goes.  I have always been one to have left foot forward while casting with a single handed rod and now with a two handed rod (right hand up) - seems to allow more body motion into the cast for more power.  Many of the videos suggest this but I note that Falkus in his tape suggests the opposite or you will hurt your back and I believe Maxwell also suggests right foot forward.  Any thoughts?</DIV></DIV></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>

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01-04-2001, 02:13 AM

<TABLE border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=100%><TR><TD nowrap width=100% valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Originator: penta</FONT></TD><TD nowrap valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Date: 1/3/2001 10:13 PM</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0 width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF><TR><TD><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=2><DIV><DIV>Hi Rick</DIV> <DIV>I crushedand cracked # 1 (or is it #4)  lumbar 12 years back in a wild car accident.I don't twist my torso no matter what I do .I also kep a straight back even with a single handed rod.That to me is 1/2 the key .The other 1/2 is keeping the weight off, which I fail miserably to do !I also don't go from sun-up to sun-set without taking a rest for a few hrs. around noon .Surprisingly enough fishing has improved immensely ,for I get out on the water for the afternoon stretch feeling refreshed and not fried  from casting all day.</DIV> <DIV>Cheers Brian</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>

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01-04-2001, 11:53 AM

<TABLE border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=100%><TR><TD nowrap width=100% valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Originator: J_D</FONT></TD><TD nowrap valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Date: 1/4/2001 7:53 AM</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0 width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF><TR><TD><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=2><DIV><DIV>Single handed casters, when going for accuracy, usually put the right foot forward.</DIV> <DIV>For a right handed caster, this stance puts everything (rod, eye, body weight) in line.</DIV> <DIV>Distance casters stand with left foot forward so that they can get a longer stroke.</DIV> <DIV>Simon Gosworth recommends the open stance favored by distance casters.</DIV> <DIV>Derrick Brown, on the other hand, recommends standing with both feet even.</DIV> <DIV>More to the point, Mr. Brown says "stand proud", use your upper body and let the rod do the work.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>To this I might add, river bottoms do not always accomodate the ideal placement of ones feet.</DIV> <DIV>Do what you got to do, but be aware of your limitations and don't screw up your back trying to get five more feet out your cast.</DIV></DIV></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>

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01-07-2001, 06:11 AM

<TABLE border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=100%><TR><TD nowrap width=100% valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Originator: bubba</FONT></TD><TD nowrap valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Date: 1/7/2001 2:11 AM</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0 width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF><TR><TD><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=2><DIV>as a "spine care professional" in my real life, there is no question that poor mechanics in spey casting would be expected to severly aggravate certain types of chronic low back conditions, especially those originating from posterior mechanical sources (e.g. lumbar facet joints, sacro-iliace joints).<BR><BR>with all respect to JD, derek actually is a strong proponent of the left foot forward whilst casting with the right hand high. mike maxwell casts mostly with his body... well, whatever works for you. (derek and simon can certainly cast circles around just about anybody else in the video business.) <BR><BR>I can say that those wishing to carry significant amounts of line (as opposed to the stripping/shooting devotees) will find better ergonomics with the left foot forward, keeping the upper body (above the pelvis) upright. NEVER flex the lumbar area of the spine ("kow-towing", or nodding)... you are asking for trouble (and pain). rather, shift your weight from the hips, sliding forward, ("standing proud" as derek would say) with the forward power stroke. if you have access to derek's video, carefully look at his body position at the end of his casts. for the longer casts, he is almost in a "reverse-C" with his pelvis leading the show. your lower back is always stronger in extension than flexion.<BR><BR>for those with back problems, frequent breaks to stretch (forward, backwards, sideways, and in rotation) are recommended. for some, wearing a so-called "wraparound lumbar spinal orthotic" helps a great deal... not the elastic supports the boys wear at the hardware store, but a velcro-closure corset-like device with battens...<BR><BR>good luck...</DIV></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>

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01-11-2001, 12:27 AM

<TABLE border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=100%><TR><TD nowrap width=100% valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Originator: DwightJanerich</FONT></TD><TD nowrap valign=top><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=1>Date: 1/10/2001 8:27 PM</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0 width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF><TR><TD><FONT face=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica size=2><DIV><DIV>I have low back problems too.  My problems orginated from my past experience with competitive skiing and tennis.  Although I have only been spey casting for three years, I believe there is a low back protection advantage to placing your left foot forward with your right hand on top and vise-versa.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The "nodding donkey" syndrome identified as a casting flaw by Derek Brown can lead to low back pain (as pointed out above) because it places tremendous stress on one's lower spine.  I find that placing my left foot forward allows me to initially load my rod (subtly) using my hips and forward weight transfer thereby avoiding my tendency to "nodd" forward to load the rod.  I cannot accomplish the same with my right foot forward any better than I can complete an effective tennis serve with my right foot forward (or even).  Placing my right foot forward locks my hips and inhibits forward weight transfer in a spey cast and in a tennis serve.  I suppose I disagree with Derek Brown's assertion that one should "do it all with your arms" if by saying so he means not using your hips and weight transfer (subtly).  I believe that neglecting to engage your hips and weight transfer places more stress than is otherwise necessary on one's upper body during the cast.  I may, however, be reading too much into DB's statement; perhaps he was merely trying to help the viewer understand the concept of "standing proud" which I agree with.  I am curious what others in the forum think about this subject?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have also found it useful to do some regular stretching and stomach/back strengthening exercises that were shown to me by a physical therapist.  The stretches and exercises are decidely NOT like the ones I previously used to prepare for skiing.  I would be happy to explain them if anyone is interested.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Good luck!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dwight</DIV></DIV></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>