Some correction/clarification is in order here.
Breaking the wrist: Excessive use/bending of the wrist before the stop in either direction can result in a very large or even no loop. Some folks are surprised at what you can do after the stop and not have an impact on line direction or loop formation. What happens with excessive wrist rotation is that we cause the rod tip to travel in a rounded path rather than a straight path. To execute a good cast with a narrow loop a bit of wrist rotation is beneficial. Some of us instructors tell the student to cast with no wrist knowing that there will usually be a little bit show up in the cast anyway and that's o.k.
We need to understand that there are quite a few who would be described as wrist casters and they seem to cast adequately out to about 40' or so. Beyond that their cast develops problems.
Tailing loops: One cause, ABRUPT application of power. This causes the rod tip to travel in a concave path and it can happen on either the forward or the back cast or both. I can use excessive power casting either direction and, if I apply it smoothly, I may tire out quickly but I won't see a tailing loop. Change from smooth to abrupt and things change dramatically. I've seen folks apply too much power too soon, too late and points in between. There's more than one reason this may happen; however, it's that abrupt power application that's the cause of a tailing loop.
Sorry, I just couldn't let this go. Anyone else can chime in either way: correct me if I'm wrong, tell me to keep to myself, or whatever...
