EPEE Part 4 from CoachGerryD

Methods of Fencing Practice for use in: individual lesson and pair exercises.
By Dr. Zbigniew Czajkowski
As mentioned above, the first task is to define the objective and then to choose the appropriate methods. I strongly emphasize this point because, judging by certain textbooks of theory of training, one would think that methods are primary and of supreme importance.
Methods are secondary to the goals you wish to achieve. In the individual lesson and pair exercises the following methods are used:




1. Repetition of a chosen stroke;




2. Execution, by the pupil, of a given stroke as a response to the partner's previously announced movement;




3. Choosing an action from previously announced ac¬tions;




4. Choosing an action from previously unannounced action;




5. "Rivalry" (contradictory tasks);




6. Training bout with the master.
1. Repetition of a chosen stroke. The pupil executes, many times in succession, a given stroke e.g. direct thrust with fleche, cut to head with lunge, quarte binding with advance and disengagement, thrust with lunge, etc. with an emphasis on accuracy of movement, appropriate rhythm, coordination of the movement of the hand and legs, and accurate fixing of the point or cut. He practices as if the given action was a closed motor skill (this is exceptional, used only in this method).
2. Execution of a given stroke as a response to the coach's pre announced movement. The essence of this method is that in the lesson the pupil performs a previously announced action in response to the coach's foreseen and pre announced movement, according to the simple motor response model: known stimulus, known reaction. This method should be applied relatively early in the first, introductory, stage of training, when the pupil has already acquired and fixed the basic structure of a given movement. The pupil is not only learning and perfecting the execution of a fencing stroke, but also learning and perfecting its application in conditions although, relatively easy ones somewhat resembling those of a bout. In the training of fencers of all classes, and in all stages of the training process, this method is frequently used in order to shape and perfect simple reaction and those technical tactical abilities which are based on it: foreseen actions, executed in response to some predicted, foreseen movement by the opponent for example, an advance, some movement of the weapon, signs of lowering of attention, a careless shortening of distance, or an unwitting betrayal of intention.
3. Choosing an action from previously announced actions. This method is frequently used with higher class fencers. It is based on a model of choice reaction or differential reaction and much more rarely on intuitive reaction. The coach announces which of the two, three or four actions he may execute, but he does not say which exact action (from those previously announced) he will apply at any given moment. The pupil's task is to recognize the coach's movement and to execute, as soon as possible, the appropriately chosen counter action. In other words, "the pupil knows all the answers, but he does not know which question will be asked."

4. Choosing an action from previously unannounced actions. This method in its varieties is applied with higher class competitors with good technique (a large repertoire of strokes and a high level of execution) and a high level of technical tactical capabilities. The essence of this method relies on the fact that the coach, playing the role of opponent, executes various, previously unannounced actions and displacements on the piste while the pupil's task is to perceive the actions in a fraction of a second, to recognize the movement and intention of the "opponent," and to choose the appropriate counter action and execute it. This method has many different applications and varieties, but its essence remains the same: the pupil recognizes the "opponent's" movements and chooses the right defensive, counter offensive, or offensive action.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Methods of Fencing Practice
• for use in: individual lesson
• and pair exercise
• from CoachGerryD

[SoldeirDragon]

thanks i see theres no comments so i just wanted to let you know i appreciate the tutorial im a fencer at pwf and i really want to progress even more at fencing even more and i keep forgetting to parry at the right moment, thank you.