Whip Basics. The Forum

I have sometimes practised with my eyes closed, and found it very helpful. I'd somehow forgotten about that. Must try it again!

I like this for giving my left hand some training. All too often, I learn a new crack with my right hand, try the same crack with the village idiot, Left Hand, and quit because it's too complicated.

I think it helps get the left hand moving and learning stuff too. 2 handed stuff has always been something I would love to do, but never could because...Left Hand.

It's working because at the end of it all, I tried doing the underhand flick left handed and succeeded, mildly, then took the underhand into the cattleman's and succeeded, and then tried the side arm and succeeded, but with some damage to the underarm, which means I need to practice a lot more. But Left Arm felt pretty proud of itself after all was said and done and I even let Left Hand hold the spoon when I ate my celebration yogurt cup after. Yay Lefty!

Jessie, congratulations to your left hand!

Well, I can't give it too much praise. It will get a big head and start getting in the way of the right when real work needs to be done.

Jessie, I somehow feel there's a Gary Larson cartoon lurking here.... :P

HAHA! I was thinking the same.

Gary Larson is always spot on!!!

I've been practicing and like to share a video.
I look a bit like a sack of potatoes standing there, I wasn't really in shape.

And as you can see in the video, my working space is becoming limited in favor of the kids swimming pool (and mine too )
Anyway...

https://youtu.be/Gb3s5_8eiT8

I just read something about eyes closed, I'm gonna try that next time.

Sven

Sven, I think you are doing fine with the limited space your are working in.
It's hard to focus on form when your mind is busy with not hitting objects around you.
Good job.
Thanks for sharing the video.

Ron

Thank you Ron

Sven, that looks pretty good to me!

As it always seems, today's practice was not as good as the previous ones.
I have a feeling it's all about the focus or lack of it.

Ron

I know what you mean, Ron, most of it's about the state of your mind when you practice. If you're tired, irritable, or preoccupied oftentimes the whip will just refuse to do what you want it to, and other days when you're feeling more at peace it'll fly true.

Absolutely Matt.
Between fielding calls about the bike, looking for a good small truck I can afford and dealing with those people, taking care of Mom, who has not been too shiney, and taking care of business, and continue my whip build, I feel busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.

Ron

Ron, that's busy

I hope to practice again this evening.

Today is the last day of Planes and angles. How did we do? I spent a considerable amount of time with Solo in the yard yesterday. I actually needed to stop myself because I didn't want to get it dirty. This was a good exercise. My left hand feels included. I have such a socially awkward left hand.

Participation seems to go down even more. We had one (1) video. I was preparing to go out and shoot a new combination video, but slowly I doubt that it makes sense. This is a forum about whips and whip handling, but it seems that only a few are interested in whip handling. Don't get me wrong - I love to help you. But it takes me two to three days to develop & shoot a routine that fits beginners and advanced the same time.

I would love to hear why all the others don't participate. One reason could be that they all are experienced masters and don't need that practice. Or they think it's boring. Or that there's no time. Or, or, or... Sorry if I sound bitter. But - to be honest - I am disappointed. Not by those who participate and post videos. I'm disappointed by those who don't. Unfortunately they are a huge majority.


Robby

I'm sorry, Robby, for not taking many videos: my only excuse is, as I've proved in the past, I'm somewhat inept with a camera.

Your tutorial videos are greatly appreciated by everyone who participates, and the 10/10 challenge is a very good idea. I for one have benefited from this, but I realise that video is an essential part that we've neglected.

I want you to make videos. I'm sorry, Robby. I'll make more videos practicing. I should know better than to think I will be judged here. That's my problem. Plain and simple. I do want to learn.

I have no excuse for not making a video on this exercise. It's just laziness on my part.

The practice videos that you make Robby are very valuable to me. I believe, even though some exercises I didn't do so well, my skill level is greatly improving. With one exercise helping with another which leads to helping them all.
Bottom line is that my skill level, such as it is, has improved quite a lot because of this. So, thank you Robby.

I am perplexed, as well as you are, in the lack of participation.
To the few who keep the faith and participate, I am feeling a connection I don't have with those who are not joining in. It feels good to work together in a common goal.

Ron