interesting.. esp the bit on sheila e injuries :shock: (!)
well guess i've written on this before, i play on any kind of footwear, including steel toe workmen boots hi-cut, pointy shoes mid-cut (i like nice shoes)
main thing is still comfort.
some notes i can think of:
- the shoes are broken in, so they are comfy, esp around ankle area
- there is definitely some resistance as opposed to sports shoes
- when i used steel toe boots, i've had to adjust my technique a little, of course. what i'll do is apply a little bit more stomp (but gently of course) and less of the ankle motion.
its becoming very organic, this ability to adjust. for lack of better words, prod me at an xchange and i'll show you.
i still strive for comfort, but i have a slightly different take from sheila e's approach.
i have not gotten any foot or ankle injuries ever, no matter which footwear. my repertoire often involves extreme footwork. (rock-fusion, progressive, metal, hardcore, experimental)
i think the key is to approach the resistance and engage it with focus and discipline.
i think of it all the time.
it would be similar to how basketball athletes regularly run up the hill, or jog in the gym while using a big rubber band around them with an assistant coach being the 'resistance' they have to pull.
although i do not wear wrist weights when practicing, i guess my approach to getting my footwork down does involve some sort of a approach akin to it.
main thing, is it must be relaxed and fluid. something even the naked eye couldn't tell. this is even beyond observing a person play and telling from his gait whether there is still minute stiffness deep down somewhere.
when you set yourself in a too relaxed position to play, sometimes there are still minute stiffness yet to be conquered.
keep the feedback coming!!!!
cheers
