As usual, the team I expected to be savvy proved me wrong. In the final round, Chad Masters had a chance at the one steer I’d been waiting all week for them to cut out. The steer literally walked out of the chute every round, and why they kept the oddball in the herd is beyond me. Nevertheless, Chad drew him in the final round and he was riding Hanson. When referring to Hanson, the first words out of anybody’s mouth are, “HE’LL DUCK.” Hanson, in his day, was the epitome of a head horse, and he still is a great horse, but he’s notorious for ducking. He’s now on the last steers of his life, ready to retire and is what he is. Due to his age and experience he’s good for one round—only! He’ll give a guy the first round, but peg him the second. He’s experienced and quick to figure a guy out.
Last year, Hanson’s owner (World’s Champion Matt Sherwood) understanding this fact, got on Hanson to win one round and then got off him. This year Chad got his run on Hanson in the 9th round. In the tenth, when Chad lifted up and went to swinging his rope in the box (ready to pounce on a world record), Hanson read the play. Understanding the call to cheat (Chad going off in the box) he anticipated the stick and figured to cut left as soon as they left the box. This wasn’t Hanson’s first rodeo NFR. He knew when and where he needed to go. He’s been blueprinted, and he took the route. Unfortunately, instead of heading for the steer, he headed for the hot dog stand.
Them old veteran horses are smarter than most ropers. On a horse like Hanson, a guy can’t advertise his intentions and quit riding because the horse knows exactly what’s up and what should go down—before his rider does. I’m sure Chad knew that steer wasn’t going anywhere. I assume Chad was focused on the drop of that neck rope and Masters-fully stick’n a new record. Hence, he committed to his rope and quit riding his horse. (Que lastima) His reflexive-communication with Hanson (correcting his duck) came long after his shot was gone.
Pulling for Chad, my beef was why they kept that eight-ball in the herd in the first place. But that’s rodeo. Like rolling the dice, you get what you get and that’s what you work with. Prove how high you can cowboy-up and be flexible. Power swings and box-shots seem the trend these days and are beneficial when you draw a dart, but when you’ve got a “walker” and you absolutely know it’s not going to out run you, contain your urge to keep pace with the pack. No sense in swinging (for power) when a steer is stopping. Slow steers can be just as tricky as quick steers especially when they’ve been tried a few rounds. You’ve got to regroup, be patient and let him out before you knock him off. Dribbling your ball up and laying your shot in is perfectly acceptable.
Team Roping is (has always been and will always be) about catching, and no matter what the situation—slow steer, fast steer, any kind of steer, the one thing you always do is ride. RIDE YOUR HORSE! ALWAYS!
With the new NFR requirements for catching I say it’s time to open up that tight, little Thomas and Mac. They’ve got it set like a mouse trap (a quick, short score; smaller cattle), so the cattle have no real chance of their own. Winning or losing is predominantly up to weather the cowboys beat themselves. Since today’s competitors are full-time specialists, it’s time to do-away with two loops, second jumps, and all the running around. Put a little bit more animal back into it (bigger calves, bigger steers, fresh bull dogging steers, etc.), stretch that score out there, and bring on some real cowboy-challenge. Speed takes on a whole new significance when things aren’t set up to be fast.
That’s all I know… Rope Smart! The Lion
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
NFR TEAMS PLAGUED BY B3 VIRUS
Implementing one loop only (per man) this year triggered no hesitancy in 2009’s finalists. Teams drew their swords like always—including Nick Sartain who impressively fought like a soldier. Nick was sharp and confident. I could see him entertaining the idea of day-money in each run, yet he held his composure enough to stay in the average. Nick was slick.
By the fourth round, more than half the teams (10 out of 15) had fallen. By the end of the fifth, only 3 teams were standing. At that point, a competitor decides weather to make business runs or gamble his shots. When you’re out of the average, sure, have fun with it, but when you’re one of 3 teams left; Average payouts are at least 2 ½ times over day money; all you have to do is catch (barriers and legs are valid) to take at least third in the average. HELLO?
Average-roping is business-roping and in most cases (like 10 head) the basic job is catching, that’s all you have to do. Nobody can tell me those top three teams can’t catch 5 steers. Put any of them teams in the practice pen on 500 head of horns, and they’ll hammer out solid 4s every run (2 horns + 2 feet = 4 seconds, solid). You’ll see machine-style, brilliant roping all day long, yet when the flag’s up the complexion changes. Speed-fevers spike and suddenly it’s no longer about catching but all about speed. This year (NFR 2009), with ropes ablaze, the need-to-be-three virus plagued 14 of the 15 teams.
The fifth round was the wall for a few. About then, I noticed Luke’s (Brown) swing weakening. He kept wanting to throw, but his horse was billy-goat’n and wouldn’t get up there for Luke to take an authoritative shot. Because Luke was not getting a solid start, his horse was short. Instead of sitting down and riding up there to get in position Luke would raise up to swing. (A simple over-under behind will turbo-boost your horse out of a missed start to get you a better shot). Anticipating Luke’s throw, his horse would quit running leaving Luke way out of position. Thus, Luke’s swing grew more and more hesitant, until finally, in the tenth round, it caught up with him.
Team roping is about catching. And your rope is only part of it. Catching is a combination of riding your horse and working your rope. You swing for power. You ride for accuracy. Riding your horse is like dribbling the ball for a shot. Once you stop dribbling, your shot is at the mercy of your position. When you rise up to swing, instead of staying down and riding, your horse anticipates what’s coming (your throw) and usually quits running. It’s very important to get your horse up there, when you know you HAVE to catch. That extra step or two (from your horse) in front can shave an extra second or two behind (for your heeler). It can also be the difference between “time” and “no time.”
Though today’s ropers are phenomenal shooters, they limit themselves to high percentage shots. When catching matters, a guy needs to think outside the box (literally) and set things up in a run. (A) Consider your obstacles and aim to keep your play in the fairway. (B) Get in position and take a commanding shot. (C) It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. A glory-headshot is only glorious when your heeler can slam the door.
Stay tuned for Part Two of “The B3 Virus”
Rope Smart!
The Lion
By the fourth round, more than half the teams (10 out of 15) had fallen. By the end of the fifth, only 3 teams were standing. At that point, a competitor decides weather to make business runs or gamble his shots. When you’re out of the average, sure, have fun with it, but when you’re one of 3 teams left; Average payouts are at least 2 ½ times over day money; all you have to do is catch (barriers and legs are valid) to take at least third in the average. HELLO?
Average-roping is business-roping and in most cases (like 10 head) the basic job is catching, that’s all you have to do. Nobody can tell me those top three teams can’t catch 5 steers. Put any of them teams in the practice pen on 500 head of horns, and they’ll hammer out solid 4s every run (2 horns + 2 feet = 4 seconds, solid). You’ll see machine-style, brilliant roping all day long, yet when the flag’s up the complexion changes. Speed-fevers spike and suddenly it’s no longer about catching but all about speed. This year (NFR 2009), with ropes ablaze, the need-to-be-three virus plagued 14 of the 15 teams.
The fifth round was the wall for a few. About then, I noticed Luke’s (Brown) swing weakening. He kept wanting to throw, but his horse was billy-goat’n and wouldn’t get up there for Luke to take an authoritative shot. Because Luke was not getting a solid start, his horse was short. Instead of sitting down and riding up there to get in position Luke would raise up to swing. (A simple over-under behind will turbo-boost your horse out of a missed start to get you a better shot). Anticipating Luke’s throw, his horse would quit running leaving Luke way out of position. Thus, Luke’s swing grew more and more hesitant, until finally, in the tenth round, it caught up with him.
Team roping is about catching. And your rope is only part of it. Catching is a combination of riding your horse and working your rope. You swing for power. You ride for accuracy. Riding your horse is like dribbling the ball for a shot. Once you stop dribbling, your shot is at the mercy of your position. When you rise up to swing, instead of staying down and riding, your horse anticipates what’s coming (your throw) and usually quits running. It’s very important to get your horse up there, when you know you HAVE to catch. That extra step or two (from your horse) in front can shave an extra second or two behind (for your heeler). It can also be the difference between “time” and “no time.”
Though today’s ropers are phenomenal shooters, they limit themselves to high percentage shots. When catching matters, a guy needs to think outside the box (literally) and set things up in a run. (A) Consider your obstacles and aim to keep your play in the fairway. (B) Get in position and take a commanding shot. (C) It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. A glory-headshot is only glorious when your heeler can slam the door.
Stay tuned for Part Two of “The B3 Virus”
Rope Smart!
The Lion
Sunday, December 27, 2009
4 100th of an Inch
That was the rain amount last night in Oakdale, CA. It was cold, and a bit windy this morning. It was certainly easy to watch the horses from the window, and drink another cup of coffee. But that's not what the Camarillo's do. Just call them and ask "What are you doing today?" Expect the same response that you might have gotten in April, July or October. "Ropin'! Its what we do!". If you aren't happy with your end of year standings, or maybe that heading horse is cheating off to the left too much be honest with yourself and ask "what did I do to improve my roping during the holiday week?" One of the best things you can do is a) keep roping and b) get some help. For most, other than the pros getting ready for Colorado and Texas rodeos in January, the recreational roper has a bit of time off. For those that want to do better in 2010, now is the time to go back to the practice pen and rope like you did when you were trying to make or win the finals (at any level - high school, am or pro) in 2009.
There was time to watch the Eagles beat the Broncos in the last 7 seconds and sqwash Denver's hope for the playoffs. There was time to trim a few bushes or clean up the Christmas decorations, and YES! there was time to rope today.
If you would like to rope better in 2010 than you did in 2009 be honest with yourself and determine if you did what you could today to improve your chances. Did you throw 50 loops at a dummy? Did you saddle up and ride to "leg up" your horse? Did you rope the Hot Heels and then go after 2 flights of live steers?
If you were in Oakdale, California today, with Jerold Camarillo you would have witnessed 4 horses saddled and later ridden. You would have seen circles in the arena where the Hot Heels roping dummy made trips in front of the boxes for headers and heelers to practice their timing and delivery. You would have seen two flights of steers leave the chute, running down a rain soaked arena just dry enough to ride in, and you would have seen the ropers that want to be better in 2010 than they were in 2009 dirty up a rope!
If you watched TV and never threw a loop today, then you weren't roping with Leo in Arizona or Jerold in California today.
That's fine, but don't expect to go to the pay window unless you put down that coffee, saddle that horse and rope and ride in the wind a bit this winter.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Roping Barriers
I’d like to make one thing clear. Because a majority of the teams have gone out, the battle is now about day-money. Meaning, there are 13 teams trying to be 3.0 and two teams trying to stay in the roping.
Last night I heard the commentators say, “A broken barrier now is the same as a miss,” and I initially questioned, “WHAT??? are they talking about?” No way is a barrier the same as a miss. If the majority of teams had a broken barrier instead of a miss they’d still be in the hunt. However, keeping in context with the way the Team Roping event has played out I can see that they meant a barrier and a miss at this point are the same because in either case you won’t win anything in the round (on that particular steer). Still, not to be misconstrued, when all is said and done a barrier is far more beneficial than a miss in terms of average pay outs.
Barriers play a big role in one-headers. You’ve got to be riding the barrier to win. If you’re not on the barrier, more than likely you’ll be a hair late and out of the money. If you’re too much on the barrier you could be as little as a hair-early and out of the money. In both cases you’re usually not going to win. Bottom line, when it’s about fast, it’s about riding that barrier. You also have to be able to reach, but reaching makes your team very vulnerable. Jojo, for instance, throws a bomb every time. Sometimes it hits, sometimes it doesn’t and when he succeeds his percentage of good runs is still marginal depending on all the long-handle variables that add up against him and his heeler (Randon Adams). Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to have a long shot in your playbook, but remember just because a guy has a hell-of-a-reach doesn’t guarantee a fast run. A long throw generally instigates a longer handle making it hard to be consistent EVEN when you’re a master of your craft. I.e. the sword you live by can also take you out.
The Lion
Last night I heard the commentators say, “A broken barrier now is the same as a miss,” and I initially questioned, “WHAT??? are they talking about?” No way is a barrier the same as a miss. If the majority of teams had a broken barrier instead of a miss they’d still be in the hunt. However, keeping in context with the way the Team Roping event has played out I can see that they meant a barrier and a miss at this point are the same because in either case you won’t win anything in the round (on that particular steer). Still, not to be misconstrued, when all is said and done a barrier is far more beneficial than a miss in terms of average pay outs.
Barriers play a big role in one-headers. You’ve got to be riding the barrier to win. If you’re not on the barrier, more than likely you’ll be a hair late and out of the money. If you’re too much on the barrier you could be as little as a hair-early and out of the money. In both cases you’re usually not going to win. Bottom line, when it’s about fast, it’s about riding that barrier. You also have to be able to reach, but reaching makes your team very vulnerable. Jojo, for instance, throws a bomb every time. Sometimes it hits, sometimes it doesn’t and when he succeeds his percentage of good runs is still marginal depending on all the long-handle variables that add up against him and his heeler (Randon Adams). Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to have a long shot in your playbook, but remember just because a guy has a hell-of-a-reach doesn’t guarantee a fast run. A long throw generally instigates a longer handle making it hard to be consistent EVEN when you’re a master of your craft. I.e. the sword you live by can also take you out.
The Lion
Monday, December 7, 2009
WNFR first weekend is "In the Books"
Watch out boys! The feathers are gun’a fly. At the halfway point in this year’s finals and 70% of our modern-day ropers are out (of the average), as a result of their do-or-die style, the table is now set to their initial idea. For nothing but day-money I expect they’re roping right in their element. The writing is on the wall. I could be wrong, but I believe only four teams remain that have it figured out. Fourth in the avg. is around $30,000 which is equivalent to two go-rounds. Realizing they are the only ones holding a shot at the big money and all they have to do is catch, the solid teams will rope smart (let’s hope) while the rest go wild with their usual bloodshed ways. We’ll probably see a hyper-gun-slinging exhibit from here on out. Some runs will be spectacular, others will be embarrassing, but one thing’s for sure, it should definitely be entertaining.
The Lion.
The Lion.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Leo's Thoughts on Round 2
How ‘bout it? As I expected, that two-loop rule is giving them guys a rude awakening. In fact, their expressions and demeanors make me think they haven’t woke up to its reality. Hel---lowww… Instead of going an extra step and making a slam dunk they’re shooting for threes and coming up short. The shock and confusion in their expressions is like, “What’d I just do? I went off and it didn’t work. Sh%$! That was it; all she wrote.”—I find myself yelling at my TV to those guys who are shaking their heads in disbelief about their results “You’re not thinking! Instead of Roping Smart, and working the run you’re letting the clock dictate your throws, knee-jerking blink-shots and then falling out, that fast. Done!” This is when I suggest the need for a coach. This year’s blood will flounder through every round because they aren’t roping outside the box nor do they have an inkling of a clue how. Sometimes a good soldier needs the direction of a good general to win the war, you know?
Patrick Smith is in dire need of a revamp. He doesn’t seem geared for fresh steers. He needs to get something on his rope rather than assuming the steer’s honesty and just firing, but I’m not sure it’s in his make-up. The worst case last night was Petska. They placed strong on their first steer, then when their second-night’s steer didn’t expose an immediate shot, was not in a heel-able frame, Cory threw anyway. What the hell? Now, I don’t care how great you are, if there’s no shot there’s no shot! What in the sam-hell are you doing? I don’t even consider that a low-percentage shot. It’s an absolute ridiculous, no-shot-at-all shot that has no rhyme or reason, let alone, place in NFR roping. At this point, even roping one leg is better than throwing a wild wad of sh%$ and missing.
This group doesn’t know how to kick in and hover over a steer with authority—I’ve got you ya son of a bitch!—and stitch him tight. Two-loops will force guys to rope with discipline. The expression I use around here on my rookies is appropriate for the ’09 NFR class, “It’s time to ‘pro-up’!” Get serious and rope responsibly or go home. We get tired of watching nonsense.
The two-loop rule will resurrect the sport’s integrity. I don’t expect we’ll see any style or strategy changes this year, not even next year or any near-future NFRs until them new-agers figure out—or somebody comes along and shows them—how to win under those conditions. How to Rope Smart where they can rope very solid with control and confidence that they can be 4 or 5, yet refrain from taking a low-percentage chance (bad) shot at a steer in haste that you very likely might miss.
At this point, the one thing I see, is that Chad Masters ain’t fooling around. He changed horses right after the first steer and realizes that he has one of the best heelers of all time behind him, so he just has to give him a shot each night. That team is just laying there in the weeds (like a lion) waiting to pounce on that opportune chance. Their patience and confidence in that upcoming opportunity will prevail.
NFR2009 - Wild Team Roping: is this a two loop effect?
This isn't your normal WNFR, at least in the team roping. The new two-loop rule certainly has changed the performances thru Saturday evening. Here's what former NFR champions Leo and Jerold Camarillo have to say about the Team Roping in the 2009 WNFR thus far:
Leo: Somebody pinch me! We’ve got the 15 greatest teams in the world working a 10-header and after three rounds 10 of them are out. Am I watching the bull riding or the team roping? It’s like a car race. One team wrecks and they’re out, then another wrecks and they’re out, and the race winner will be whichever car is still up on the track. The teams I expected to be so solid have thrown their chance out the window, and I’m to the point where I’m just watching for who’ll hang-in and who’ll hang-up. I was sure Maters and Corkill would stay focused and like a locomotive just get stronger and stronger and stronger, then last night Chad’s horse got a little quick and his rope started running again, just like with his first steer, yet as soon as Chad turned him Corkill went off at no shot. I can’t understand why them guys can’t just rope defensively. It’s like they’re conditioned strictly for cake-walks. When things go smooth, everything works smooth and they can really make things look sharp. But when you see that obviously things need adjusting within a run then you must make the adjustments. You can’t be so rigid and set in your ways to just explode off in spite of what’s in front of you. It’s a 10-header! Comprende? Every steer counts. You need every one of them.
Jerold: Ya, but those guys are one way. When them steers turn they throw, and that’s O.K. at the jackpots and rodeos, but this is a 10-head average rodeo. A guy needs to get’him a good start and make a solid catch. They’re throwing and going and making problems for their heeler. Then their heelers won’t line out their shot. They just throw at anything. It’s all they know. Trevor is roping good, but his horse is coming back too much instead of going straight across which is giving Patrick a different look than he’s used to. The steer’s path is having an effect on the shots Patrick’s trying to make.
Leo: I don’t think those guys analyze it like that. It seems like they just go back and try it all over again in hopes they’ll get a steer that fits their method. When you go to a roping and they say only one loop don’t you change your idea of roping? You don’t use your do-or-die play.
Jerold: The heelers won’t line out their shot, they just throw. It’s all they know.
Leo: A new rule’s been implemented and nobody understands how to work it. Instead of figuring a way to overcome it they’re ignoring it. Rather than make a steady climb to that big prize at the top they’re frantically swiping at a quick $1,700. The one thing different between novice and professional is that the professional knows how to catch regardless.
Leo: Somebody pinch me! We’ve got the 15 greatest teams in the world working a 10-header and after three rounds 10 of them are out. Am I watching the bull riding or the team roping? It’s like a car race. One team wrecks and they’re out, then another wrecks and they’re out, and the race winner will be whichever car is still up on the track. The teams I expected to be so solid have thrown their chance out the window, and I’m to the point where I’m just watching for who’ll hang-in and who’ll hang-up. I was sure Maters and Corkill would stay focused and like a locomotive just get stronger and stronger and stronger, then last night Chad’s horse got a little quick and his rope started running again, just like with his first steer, yet as soon as Chad turned him Corkill went off at no shot. I can’t understand why them guys can’t just rope defensively. It’s like they’re conditioned strictly for cake-walks. When things go smooth, everything works smooth and they can really make things look sharp. But when you see that obviously things need adjusting within a run then you must make the adjustments. You can’t be so rigid and set in your ways to just explode off in spite of what’s in front of you. It’s a 10-header! Comprende? Every steer counts. You need every one of them.
Jerold: Ya, but those guys are one way. When them steers turn they throw, and that’s O.K. at the jackpots and rodeos, but this is a 10-head average rodeo. A guy needs to get’him a good start and make a solid catch. They’re throwing and going and making problems for their heeler. Then their heelers won’t line out their shot. They just throw at anything. It’s all they know. Trevor is roping good, but his horse is coming back too much instead of going straight across which is giving Patrick a different look than he’s used to. The steer’s path is having an effect on the shots Patrick’s trying to make.
Leo: I don’t think those guys analyze it like that. It seems like they just go back and try it all over again in hopes they’ll get a steer that fits their method. When you go to a roping and they say only one loop don’t you change your idea of roping? You don’t use your do-or-die play.
Jerold: The heelers won’t line out their shot, they just throw. It’s all they know.
Leo: A new rule’s been implemented and nobody understands how to work it. Instead of figuring a way to overcome it they’re ignoring it. Rather than make a steady climb to that big prize at the top they’re frantically swiping at a quick $1,700. The one thing different between novice and professional is that the professional knows how to catch regardless.
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