A casting drill for non-dominant hand up training

[peter-s-c]

Been using this for a few years, first to train the left hand up cast and more recently to give it a tune up after a layoff. I started out as a reverse side caster, but a few years ago I decided to develop the left hand up as well. It was a hit and miss proposition with me falling back on the reverse side cast.

Things got better almost overnight when I started using this drill. My problem, and I expect that others have the same one, was thinking through the left hand cast rather than just letting it go. With this drill, I couldn't think my way through the cast, I just had to let it happen. As a consequence, for the first time I started to develop muscle memory.

I still use it today as a tune up after a layoff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKeG7ZMTXBc

The conditions were bad, with a brutal, cold wind howling down the river, plus the casting position was 'different' but we still got it shot.

If you're having left hand up difficulties, give this drill a whirl.

[fredaevans]

Nice clip. The thing I find that I need to do (as fellow mentions) is think several of the first cast through. My (nasty) bad habit is bringing the rod through in too vertical a position ...... this aims the fly right at the back of my head.

[afunk]

Phew. That made me tired watching that. I'm definately going to try it. I'm rubbish with off hand up because I spend the whole time thinking my way through the cast which, as you said, can really mess with your casting. Great idea.

[locvetter]

Will try it tomorrow morning.

There really is a paucity of drills out there. Dana has a nice one with alternating singles and doubles, and one can make some up, but variety is nice. Lots of analysis, but nothing like playing scales on the piano.

Sure is a pretty little rock you are on.

Thanks

[FKrow]

Peter, nice video, thanks,

The first formal class I attended was in 1998, three days with Jim Vincent and Simon Gawesworth. The first day they had us on a pond with RH (upper)single speys and an equal number of LH (upper) single speys. The mechanics became somewhat ingrained into the muscle memory. The second and third days were on the river, with river right and river left changing sides after lunch.

I was not great with non dominate hand upper however, the experience made the mechanics familiar and it was easy to practice and develope timing.

Regards,
FK

[ibboone]

Great vid, makes me want to go practice and try this out.



Dan

[afterthesteel]

Thanks for sharing ... I have been doing exactly what you make note of: always trying to think my way through my non dominant hand casting. I have just the place I can practice like this!!!

Kyle D.

[Randyflycaster]

Thanks Peter. I posted a link on my Facebook page.

To help me cast left-handed I used to practice throwing a ball left-handed.

Every time I was dishes I wash left-handed.

Randy

[SkagitMiester]

Cool video and nice country Peter. I have found with left hand up casting that longer lines (after starting with shooting heads) worked pretty good because I could rear back and let her rip - talking single spey here, lift, sweep, lift, fire!

For those of us who occasionally find ourselves thinking through a cast too much I have found that rearing back and letting her rip is a fine tactic when employed in the right situation.

[peter-s-c]

Randy, after blowing up my right elbow in '09, I had to single hand cast left handed -- in the middle of a fishing trip!!! It did make a difference. As a result of the injury, I now use my left hand for many things (dirty minds, don't go there!) and there's no question that it improves left hand up casting.

SM, interesting that you make that observation as I too found it easier to start on longer lines when flipping over to left hand up from reverse. I still use reverse side casting with Skagit and Scandinavian, but flip to left hand up as soon as the long lines and long rods come out. It's just easier.

The country and rocks btw, are in Northern Ontario. Gorgeous country.

[japple]

Nice video Peter. I will have to work on the Perry Poke more.

[afterthesteel]

Peter i have been Using this drill 3 times a week for the last week or two and man i must say i am getting results!

Thank you for sharing,

Kyle d.

[peter-s-c]

That's good to hear, Kyle. Thanks for letting us know.