An elliptical cast — also called a Belgian or oval cast — is a continuous tension cast: the back cast is made in a relatively horizontal rod plane and then, without stopping, the forward cast is made in a more vertical plane. That separation of planes gives the back loop an oval shape, and there is no pause between the two strokes.

The defining feature is the continuous movement through the transition. The oval path is a consequence, not a trick that removes risk.

Use it when:

• The back cast ticks. The uninterrupted transition makes ticking easier to prevent, but it reduces the risk rather than removing it: the fly can still tick the ground or the water.
• You are casting large or heavy flies, sink tips and other complicated payloads — the guide calls it quite useful for these.
• The wind blows onto your casting arm side — it is one of the safe methods taught in the wind task.
• You want slack — it can set up a pile cast delivery.

Keep continuous tension throughout; a pause turns it into two ordinary casts.

Source

From the CI Study Guide (2025) (PDF), Task 5 — slack line presentation and the wind task (Task 22); defined in the FFI Fly Casting Definitions (Oval / Belgian / Elliptical Cast).