All the discussion below is very interesting and helpful. It also reminds me, however, that there are different ways to skin a cat, or to describe skinning one. I know that with one-handed casting, you can find lots of valid descriptions of very different casting styles (e.g., the clock vs. the Lefty method), all subject to a few important consistent principles (abrupt stop, for example). I've noticed the same thing with two-handed overhead. Here are some of the (at least superficially) differing or contradictory pieces of advice I've heard from different sources:
1) The key is to push/pull with upper and lower hands vs. the upper hand is only along for the ride and the lower hand performs the cast.
2) Very short stroke (11 to 1) vs. long stroke with straight rod path (a la Lefty).
3) Hold the upper grip high up on the handle vs. low or middle of the handle.
4) Trap the line with index+middle/middle+ring/ middle alone.
5) Sweep to the side a little on the backcast vs. straight back.
6) Only the head out of the tiptop vs. some overhang.
There are many more, but you get the point. I think the diversity of views is good and forces us to find what works for us individually. I guess in the end, the same principles that govern single handers should apply. I don't have the experience to know, but the discussion is helpful. Cast on !!!!!
1) The key is to push/pull with upper and lower hands vs. the upper hand is only along for the ride and the lower hand performs the cast.
2) Very short stroke (11 to 1) vs. long stroke with straight rod path (a la Lefty).
3) Hold the upper grip high up on the handle vs. low or middle of the handle.
4) Trap the line with index+middle/middle+ring/ middle alone.
5) Sweep to the side a little on the backcast vs. straight back.
6) Only the head out of the tiptop vs. some overhang.
There are many more, but you get the point. I think the diversity of views is good and forces us to find what works for us individually. I guess in the end, the same principles that govern single handers should apply. I don't have the experience to know, but the discussion is helpful. Cast on !!!!!