In a paper studying the linear momentum response to stride length in overhead throwing, the data found "that throwing arm momentum exhibited similar profiles with peaks coincident with maximum external shoulder rotation". For those fly casters and instructors seeking real world relevance to such a finding whilst studying another sport, may I proffer the following opinion.
Stride length equates to body weight shifting using either small or large step when fly casting.
Shoulder rotation is a key element of the casting stroke because transferring momentum from the body to the rod and line is a determinant of the speed , shape and direction the loop exhibits as it moves forward.
As referred to in the Teaching Forum, layback is external shoulder rotation, hence I would suggest that your casting arm momentum and the benefits that flow from that, does reflect the range of layback you generate.
In saying the above, I acknowledge some flyfishers, like me, only fish small streams, but I thought it may be of interest to some.
I also acknowledge that achieving maximum layback requires the recruitment of other body segment activity, but I've covered that elsewhere.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings on this thread. Good topic though, maybe it should be a subject in the Teaching Forum (just a thought
)John
