I'll bet this is the week for Cuttyhunk

[Fish_Eye]

Here are three photos taken many years ago when a 3.32 mega pixel camera ruled.

The first image shows the rod fully loaded as Ron performs an "off the beach cast." This is the perfect cast to illustrate the full loading of the rod because the friction of pulling the plug (normally a cast done with chunk bait to prevent it from ripping off the hook) across the sand pre-loads the rod. Then Ron pulls down with his left hand as he pushes out with his right (think fulcrum). Notice his legs are should width apart and he is transferring his weight from his back leg to his front.

The second shot shows Ron making a simple overhead cast. The lure is dropped to around the first collecting guide and then with the same stance as the off the beach cast, he transfers his weight while punching through the cast. I'm sure Ron can do a more detailed and step by step explanation, but the photo show exactly what numbskull was talking about when he suggested the need to fully load the cast well before you approach the 'release' phase of the cast.

Finally, this image shows the proper form when the rod releases all the pent up energy and sends your needlefish into the stratesphere...especially if you didn't use a shock leader.

Hope this helps.