The Preparation
This post will discuss the different forms of preparation a fencer should take before engaging in the sport.
As with any sport, fencing requires a certain amount of preparedness that should be practiced initially, before the fencer even picks up their blade. There are three different types of preparation - mental, physical, and tactical. Taking into consideration each step of each type of preparation will aid fencers in their strife to become the best they can be at the sport.
Below I have listed the steps necessary to each of the types of preparation.
Mental Preparation
- includes the development of reasoning skills such as logic, strategy, tactics, and self-control.
Fencing tactics - the proper application of fencing techniques with precision to score touches and not be scored against. Takes note of timing and distance between an opponent, and consistently introduces variety to foot and blade work actions and responses. [1]
Observation - having an instinctual knowledge of an opponent's potential actions and responses is important to successful fencing. The ability to discern the personality type of the opponent has been proved to better predict their actions, so observation is key for this idea. [1]
Motivation - the drive associated with personal values and needs that stimulate an individual to specific sets of activities to achieve a goal/set of goals.
Positive motivation - based upon a positive or desirable reward compensation.
Negative motivation - has no value regarding athletic achievements.
Realistic goal-setting - both short and long term goals should be placed for practices or
competitions to motivate the athlete to work to achieve the goals. [1]
Games - logic-based games such as chess my also have a positive effect on fencers. [1]
Physical Preparation
- includes participation in sports that promote aerobic capabilities, physical strength enhancement, stamina promotion, and hand-eye coordination. [1]
Pre-season - before a fencing season starts, it is important to keep up physical prowess by doing activities that promote speed, endurance, flexibility, agility, and power. Should also include review of basic fencing footwork and blade work, and practical application of fencing actions as they apply to strategy and tactics should be a main focus. Individual lessons should not exceed 30 mins, and should be at least three times a week. [1]
Competition season - physical activities should include non-fencing workouts, but should be centered on fencing. Individual goals are then set for the season. [1]
Tactical Actions
- the proper application of fencing techniques with precision to score touches, and not be scored against. Basically a combination of both mental and physical traits, fencers have to first understand their opponent, before deciding the best way to attack them, and what the outcome will be. [1]
Plan - fencing champions already have plans in place as they approach the strip, they are trained to follow through with a series of strategy-based actions to provide them with necessary information about their opponent. These actions are called reconnaissance, or exploratory moves, and include: attacks, false attacks, feints, changes in timing, footwork variations, parry riposte exchanges, body evasions or displacements, invitations, and responses to second intention actions. [1]
Distractions - used to hinder an opponent's game, include: point-in-line, changes in footwork tempo, conversation, blade work and footwork combinations, ballestra, fleche, and even asking to straighten a blade or tie a shoe. [1]
Control - tactical fencers control the bout by making their opponent respond while they attack at inopportune times, while they use as little energy as possible and their opponent expends their energy resources. [1]
Second Intention Actions - a coordination of both blade and footwork to elicit a specific reaction from the opponent. A good example is the launching of a short attack with no intention of landing a touch, then waiting to parry the opponent's predictable response, and winning a point. The Second Intention is one of the most important lessons a fencer can learn. [1]
Sources
1. Essentials of Fencing Technique. acfencers.tripod.com. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
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