Competitive fencing is an ancient sport that requires agility, speed and the ability to react instantly to your opponent's moves. The best way to improve your odds of winning a bout is to prepare beforehand and to enter the bout with a focused mind. Fencing matches are usually held in gyms, and several bouts may be going on at the same time. Tuning out the noise and distractions is essential to winning at fencing. Careful preparation of both your gear and your strategy is just as essential.
Prepare Before The Bout
Step 1
Practice your footwork and point control. Install the eye hook in the ceiling of your practice space. Hang a golf ball from a string tied to the eye hook. Practice hitting the golf ball with the tip of your sword several hundred times a day. This exercise gives you practice hitting a moving target with accuracy. Try to practice in front of a mirror, or record video of your practice sessions. Recording your sessions allows you to watch your footwork and form.
Step 2
During practice, strap a 1-lb. weight to each wrist. Adding this weight will build arm strength and speed as you become accustomed to fencing with the weights. When you enter a competitive bout, you will be even faster because you will fence without the weights that you have become used to.
Step 3
Study your opponents. Watch their other bouts and look for tendencies. Look for patterns to their style that will warn you of their next move when you fence against them. Take careful notes about each opponent. Do not rely on your memory, especially if you will be fencing several different opponents in one day.
Step 4
Check your gear. Bend your sword while pressing the electric tip to be sure it will register a hit along the full range of motion. Examine your sword and each piece of protective gear. Look for signs of wear that could pose a safety concern.
Step 5
Stretch and warm up before each bout. Drink plenty of water. Stiffness and cramps during a bout could cost you the match and could cause permanent injuries.
Step 6
Just before each bout, review your notes on the opponent you are about to face. Plan a customized strategy for each opponent based on what you have observed about their weak areas. For example, if you have noticed that your next opponent always taps her left foot before she lunges, part of your strategy will be to watch her left foot whenever she advances. Incorporate what you know of your own strengths and weaknesses.
Things You'll Need
- Eye hook
- String
- Golf ball
- Mirror or video recording device
- 2 1-lb. weights with wrist strap
- Fencing sword
- Protective gear
References
- "The Inner Game of Fencing"; Nick Evangelista; 2000
- "The Art and Science of Fencing"; Nick Evangelista; 1999
- "Fencing: Steps to Success"; Elaine Cheris; 2001
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