Bending comes a long way between the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the beginning of The Legend of Korra, with lightning generation becoming a common ability and bending advancing into a professional sport. One of the best examples of this evolution is Bolin, whose style stands in contrast to the techniques taught to Korra by her older masters. There are other reasons, such as the strategy of the sport he plays, for why he may favor an unorthodox approach over the established methods, but it could also be something much more fundamental -- Bolin could have misunderstood the traditions of the element.

Bolin's quirky style is first illustrated in The Legend of Korra Season 1, Episode 2, "A Leaf in the Wind," when he drills the Avatar on the basics of pro-bending. He explains she needs to "stay light on [her] toes" and not be "so upright and flat-footed." While his explanation makes sense in the context of the way pro-bending is played, it is a noticeably different approach to the way earthbending was explained in The Last Airbender.

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In The Last Airbender Season 2, Episode 9, "Bitter Work," Toph tells Aang he needs to be "steady and strong" and "like a rock" in his form. Toph's achievements in bending are obvious, and she learned from the badgermoles, the original Earthbenders, giving her interpretation of the element added credibility. In fact, it is Aang's penchant for being light on his feet that prevents him from being able to learn the element at first.

Pro-bending in The Legend of Korra.

Still, it could be argued that Bolin was only explaining how to play the sport, not earthbending as a whole. However, this makes little sense for the object of the game. Since the point of the sport is to knock opponents over, a strong stance would in theory help -- not hinder -- players. Since audiences don't see much of how other pro Earthbenders train, it's possible the approach is unique to Bolin. Additionally, challenges he faces outside of the arena further suggest he may not fully understand the conventions of his own bending style.

The first indication comes when Bolin is unable to learn to metalbend, despite Suyin Beifong, a Metalbender herself, telling him that the only obstacle is his attitude. Bolin expresses a strong desire to learn and is shown trying for a long time, but he never succeeds. On the other hand, Korra masters it almost right away, despite not being as passionate as her friend.

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Bolin's failures could therefore be a result of his upbringing. After losing his parents at a young age, he is mainly raised by his older brother Mako, a Firebender, and he could have lacked formal schooling in the traditions of earthbending regarding stance and strength. Korra may have succeeded in part because metalbending inherently favors those who practice the firm and rooted classical style, which she would have learned from the White Lotus.

Bolin bending fire in The Legend of Korra

Later, Bolin redeems himself by learning to lavabend, and this could again be down to his personal style. Toph and Korra are never shown to be able to lavabend; although, some speculate Toph may have been seen cooking her food with lava, but this is debatable. This could mean their approach is not suited to the sub-skill, and that while Bolin's misinterpretation of the foundations of his element prevent him from metalbending, it actually improves his chances of lavabending.

Though much of this explanation does boil down to speculation, it does fill a gap in the show's lore. No explanation is ever provided for why Bolin succeeded and failed at the different sub-skills, but Bolin being untrained in the classical earthbending principles is both a realistic possibility and consistent with his background. Moreover, the idea adds to fans' understanding of both the philosophy behind the sub-elements, as well Bolin's character as he undergoes a significant amount of growth throughout the last two seasons.

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