Fencing and Speed

Speed ​​is a critical component of the modern competitive fencer’s abilities. 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 the sport need to consider how speed components interact in the execution of specific techniques in combat.

Physiologically, the reaction time and tactically the time spent in the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act loop largely determine how quickly the fencer can act in any tactical situation. He must be able to identify a threat or opportunity, select the correct action and move his body to score the hit. There are real physiological limits in milliseconds on 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 must consider that speed also results from at least six factors: heredity, technical excellence, available techniques, physical preparation, relaxation, distance and intention. .

Heredity determines the structure of your body and the combination 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 explosive actions. If you have a preponderance of slow-twitch fibers, you’ll be slower, but with better strength. Regular training helps all of these fibers perform at a higher level.

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

The set of techniques you have available also influences speed. In general, the more techniques your brain has to search for to find the answer, the slower your transition from opportunity identification to execution. You obviously need enough technical options for your attack and defense to work. But spending time developing underperforming actions can impose a speed penalty.

Physical training contributes to speed by increasing core strength and balance and muscle strength and work capacity. Custom endurance, speed and agility training programs focused on fencing movement patterns will get you faster.

Although it seems otherwise, the more relaxed you are, the faster you will be. To demonstrate this, try making a fist and creating as much muscle contraction in your arm as you can. Extend your arm with this resistance. Now loosen your arm, relax and extend it. 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 has to react. Similarly, the longer the opponent’s attack must be in motion, the slower it is relatively 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 intent is critical. If you don’t have a plan for your next touch, you’ll spend time trying to figure out when to do it. 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 fast, you must know what you want to do and commit wholeheartedly to the action.