Fencing and speed

Speed ​​is a critical component of the modern competitive fencer’s capabilities. Although experience and tactical ability remain important, the general trend towards youth in sports that has changed the dynamics of other sports is also shaping fencing. This suggests that individuals in sport should consider how components of speed interact in the execution of specific techniques in combat.

Physiologically the reaction time and tactically the time spent in the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act cycle largely determine how quickly the fencer can act in any tactical situation. You must be able to identify a threat or opportunity, select the correct action, and move your body to score the impact. There are actual physiological limits in milliseconds to how quickly these steps can be accomplished. Experience can reduce these times, especially in terms of recognition, but a fencer who wants to maximize speed should consider that speed also results from at least six factors: heredity, technical excellence, available techniques, physical training, relaxation, distance and intention. .

Heredity determines the structure of your body and the mix of muscle fibers. For fences, fast twitch fibers are essential. If you are born with a preponderance of fast twitch fibers, you will be quicker in short duration and explosive actions. If you have a preponderance of slow twitch fibers, it will be slower, but with better strength. Regular training helps all of these fibers work at a higher level.

Technical excellence is an important part of speed. Correctly executed techniques are biomechanically efficient, move the blade in the shortest distance, and are smooth in execution. The smoother and more controlled your attacks, parries, counterattacks and footwork, the faster you will be.

The set of techniques available to you also influences speed. In general, the more techniques your brain has to search for the answer, the slower the transition from identifying the opportunity to executing. Obviously, you need enough technical options for your attack and defense to work. But spending time developing low-yield stocks can impose a speed penalty.

Physical training contributes to speed by increasing the strength and balance of the core and the strength and work capacity of the muscles. Customized endurance, speed, and agility training programs focused on fencing movement patterns will get you going faster.

Although the opposite seems to be the case, the more relaxed you are, the faster you will be. To demonstrate this, try to make a fist and create as much muscle contraction as you can in your arm. Extend your arm with this resistance. Now release your arm, relax and reach out. Yes, the relaxed extension will be faster.

The ability to control distance is a key part of speed. The shorter the distance your point has to move in the attack, the faster the perceived speed of the attack and the less time an opponent will have to react. Similarly, the longer the opponent’s attack must be in motion, the relatively slower it is and the greater the chance of defeating it. This means that the combination of footwork, arm position and tactical sense is a determining factor of speed on the court.

Finally, the intention is fundamental. If you don’t have a plan for your next gig, you’ll spend time trying to figure out when to go. If you do not believe in your action and are not willing to execute it with enthusiasm, it will be hesitant and slow. To be quick, you need to know what you want to do and commit yourself wholeheartedly to action.