Here it is in a nutshell. Stopping the rod and how it affects loops shape.
Spey Casting Loop Shape
The Ultimate Skagit Cast https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ultimateskagitcast The Ultimate Scandi Cast https://vimeo.com/ondemand/327236
This Video shows how one of the worlds finest distance casters, Geir Hansen, stops the rod.
closed vs open stance in spey casting
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Steve Rajeff explains distance casting with a single hand rod including the technique he uses for stopping the rod.
Steve Rajeff, Long Beach Casting Club, distance fly-casting
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Rajeff’s comment is very interesting when asked about hand pressure. He says that there is a tightening of the grip during power stroke and then a relaxation of the grip after the stop. Does this mean the grip at the end of the power stroke is necessary to stop the rod? What would happen to the motion of the rod if there was no tightening of the grip at the stop? Would it go forward? Would it go backward? Would it stop on its own?
Thanks Dwight. A firm grip is necessary for a positive stop. The top hand stops the rod. The positive stop is not necessary to form a loop though, only deceleration of the rod so the fly line overtakes it. The hand is softened after the rod stop so the rod tip wont bounce and rob energy from the forward cast. Softening the hand during the deceleration and or lower rod stop if done while opening up the forward casting stroke makes for a nice open loop when fishing and is fine. I feel a video coming on, thanks buddy! Appreciate your support.