The guys who've been there and done that a few years are more relaxed this time of year. They know you can only be as fast as conditions and the steer you draw dictate, so they don't try to force things. Thats typically when mistakes are made. Remember, patience pays.
The basis of my roping foundation, in every situation, is the position I try to set up. If I can do that correctly, I can make an easier, faster shot, because I've laid the groundwork for that to happen.
When preparing for these different finals situations, you want to set your practice sessions up to be as similar to the real thing as possible, including your cattle. When getting ready for the U.S. Finals, you want to rope some fresher, stronger steers, like the ones you'll run there. When getting ready for the NFR, I like to rope some fresher type steers also, because cattle that are strong jump faster and take the corner differently, so its more of an authentic look at what you're going to see at the finals. Fresher cattle handle differently than those that have been roped quite a bit. Last year was a great roping at the NFR, because the cattle were fresh. But regardless of the conditions or the cattle, in the end the people who are the best prepared when they get there will have the biggest advantage when it comes to winning. Success is all in the preparation.
