Expert: Chrissy Torres - 2/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: my dgtr had a broken finger and is now getting ready for tryouts for the first time in 2 weeks.  She has a pause 1-2 seconds when connecting her roudoff backhand spring.  so for tryouts she wants to do a cartwheel, back hand spring, roundoff back hand spring 2- pls advise if this is a good choice or any other suggestions.
she has a standing tuck
but she cannot run and connect without the pause

ANSWER: Hi Diane,
I think that she should definitely still throw that pass at tryouts. With or without the pause, it will show that she has skills. Also, I would advise that she works on that pass to perfect it. A pause can be taken away with practice, practice, and more practice. She should also show them that she has a standing tuck.

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QUESTION: One more questions, one of her instructors told her that it is harder to throw a standing pass because you do not have the momentum going for you and it takes more to do it from standing .. please please let me know

Answer
Yes, it is harder to throw a standing pass. However, a running cartwheel handspring roundoff handspring is better looking than a standing backhandspring. Throw as many passes as you can at tryouts. I also suggest getting a toetouch backhandspring or toetouch tuck. Those can be a little difficult but will impress the judges.