A question about style......

sonofgenkai18 · Post by **sonofgenkai18** » 29 Aug 2008 18:33

So, I have been thinking lately about how many footbaggers I've loved for the past year or so I've been playing. I started off watching Jorden and David. then moved to Felix and Vasek. then Jim and Justin and Ricky.

Now I can't stop watching Arron O. and Ales. I dig their style so much. it's so straight and clean. I think my style should somewhat resemble theirs (mainly because we are all kind of bulky) but when I try to clean it up and keep their type of posture I get sort of uncomfortable and don't play as well.

My question is... Should I work on changing my style to what I want it to be or should I just maintain the style I play already and let it be?

Thoughts???

mc · Post by mc » 29 Aug 2008 18:39

ideally, your style is a reflection of your body. Your style should be based on how to do the motions with your body in the easiest, smoothest, cleanest way with the least amount of strain and effort, and that's going to be a bit different from player to player, although those with similar body types will have similar styles.

so, take notes from your heroes with similar bodies, but always listen to your own body.

sonofgenkai18 · Post by **sonofgenkai18** » 29 Aug 2008 22:06

thanks Matt. that actually does help. I was thinking the same thing basically but it's nice to hear it backed up from a veteran. I should just listen to my body and the style will speak for itself.

I'd love to hear what other's thoughts are though...

sidekick · Post by **sidekick** » 30 Aug 2008 12:53

I agree 100% with Mr. Cross

If there is something you don't like about your game, you can change it, but make sure the change is for the good of your style AND body.

Oh yeah, cheat early and often if you want to have good style. Do things the easiest way for you (keeping the factor of the move being clean in mind) and try to find an equilibrium between hard and easy tricks/links to give your game variety. I've found that if I raise my knee to make a 90 degree angle with my leg that most tricks use less energy.

Tsiangkun · Post by **Tsiangkun** » 30 Aug 2008 13:58

I'm not at all a fan of doing tricks in the easiest way, using the bare minimum of effort.

I think each element of a trick deserved to be done, and be done well.

Rushing through tricks without spending the effort to do the components well looks sloppy at best and gets worse from there.

keko · Post by **keko** » 31 Aug 2008 04:39

I agree with Matt Cross beacuse I think everyone has is own style. It depends on you and your body.

Sergey · Post by **Sergey** » 31 Aug 2008 06:40

I think it might be somewhat difficult to fully employ another player's style, but you can certainly incorporate some of its elements that you enjoy!

I hope you don't mind me asking, but what is that about your style that you don't like @ the moment?

sonofgenkai18 · Post by **sonofgenkai18** » 31 Aug 2008 16:37

well, there is nothing that I don't like about my style really. I have only been playing for a year and a bit so far. Though I've been told I've made exceptional progression throughout, I still have a rough and unclean style.

My back doesn't stay as straight as I'd like it to, my arms and hands aren't as controlled as I'd like when I do 4 and 5 ADD tricks, and I land hard on many tricks.

Arron, Ales, and I are all pretty bulky and when I watch a video of each of them back to back I see how similar in style they are. I think my style is on the road to being similar to there's but I'm not sure whether or not I should force it or let it come naturally.

mc · Post by mc » 31 Aug 2008 16:41

post a 4 minute video of your best shit, and you'll get the real deal. people are harsh, so at least you'll know what we all think you should work on