High Performance Fencing

The extent of time required to train to world-class performance levels in many fields has been estimated at 10,000 hours

reaction time’ is the time it takes a fencer to perceive a simple attack and execute a single parry

Short-term fencing endurance can be assessed by how an individual reacts to fencing in a bout, mid-term endurance by fencing in a round and long-term endurance by fencing in a competition

Good core stability cannot be attained by fencing alone

No athlete can train at maximum intensity all the time and must make room for rest and recovery

TACTICAL EXERCISES DONE IN PAIRS

Fencing started from an equal score.
Fencing with the fencer’s lead.
Fencing with the opponent leading.
Fencing for a single touch to decide the bout.
Fencing in the last minute, or seconds, of the bout.
Fencing for two out of three victories.
Fencing on one or other side of the strip (piste).
Fencing on the warning line or on the back line.
Fencing without the possibility of retreating.
Only counting touches from attacks or parry ripostes.
The defender can use only simple or only circular parries.
The riposte must always be with opposition or flanconades.
The parry is valid only if done in place – or only with breaking the distance

THE INDIVIDUAL LESSON

The lesson:

Gives style, form and character to a fencer’s movement.
Requires the fencer to become accustomed to changing conditions and thus creates a type of adapting mechanism.
Develops most of the abilities in actual association with one another.
Gives a boost and reason for the fencer to find his/her unique way of expressing him/herself.
It provides far-reaching opportunity for:

Customized work.
Individual treatment.
Becoming familiar with the student from all aspects.
Thrashing out the smallest details of technique and tactics.
Varied use of the methods.
The lesson is determined by the coach’s:

Technical preparedness.
Feel for tactics.
Creative imagination.
Ability to adapt.
Strength.

Defence without retreat increases parrying skills. Counter-attacks (by the coach) heighten the reflexes and shorten reaction time

To develop technique requires regular practice, attention and concentration, and constant correction. (Alaux

Motor educability (the ability to learn new strokes and change old motor habits).
Motor control (the ability to direct one’s movements precisely).
Motor adaptability (the ability to adapt fencing actions in unpredictable situations)