Why Header Angles Matter: Controlling the Steer for Cleaner Finishes
Practice Smarter: Roping Drills, Horsework & Strategy
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12m
Ryan Motes breaks down one of the most critical but overlooked parts of a team roping run: how the header’s angle, positioning, and facing directly affect the heeler’s ability to catch clean. From avoiding downstream pulls to maintaining control through the face, this video is packed with technical insight on what separates a strong run from a sloppy finish.
In this session:
• What “downstreaming a steer” means—and why it’s a problem
• How header angle and width influence the steer’s hips
• The right way to face without giving the steer’s head back
• Why forward momentum is key to keeping heel loops on
• Real examples from pro-level roping (Trevor Brazile, Patrick Smith)
If you’ve ever lost a leg at the end of what felt like a perfect shot, this is the video that explains why. Perfect for headers and heelers looking to tighten up their runs and understand the “why” behind great facing and rope control.
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