Warmed up with some light jogging -> plyometrics -> footwork.
Suited up. Warmed up blades. Then started with simultaneous actions. Focused tonight on being deep and ready at the line and making a fast, strong start. The deep stance allows for a greater, earlier utilization of the legs for strong movements. For a strong advance lunge off the line, the focus was making a correct attack immediately, which if your opponent is used to a more relaxed tempo simultaneous, can be your attack. If they go fast off the line too, simultaneous. The other variation we worked was a fast start, wait, jump back to make short. Focus was on keeping the weight forward.
Tactically speaking, mixed between a relaxed, slow start and the fast, focused attack, the fast to make short should be fairly effective. The fast entry should draw a fast finish from opponents who are trying to play a simultaneous game, or beat you to the attack. And drawing the fast finish early will make for an easier make short action.
The coach emphasized the loading of the legs allowing stronger, more explosive actions, but I think that's only part of why this tactical sequence works. I think the bigger thing is the immediate, strong entry into distance. The forcefulness of the entry should draw an opponent who is paying attention into finishing at the (apparently) rapidly closing target. Unless they are very strong at change of decision, that early (wrong) choice should pull the fencer out and maybe make them over-reach--a prime target for being made short.
Bouting:
12-15, 11-15, 9-15
Good Stuff:
When I slowed down, good actions. Had some nice attacks with advance lunge. In my last bout, I smoothed out my off the line action and took AiP away from my opponent (he had been murdering me on it).
Not So Good Stuff:
Rushing, rushing, rushing. Not starting my hand. Off balance on a lot of actions. Mostly attacking with lunge. Did I mention rushing?
Lesson:
Focus was a continuation of the class, with a bit of choice and focus work.
Warmed up with cut to opening line. First standing, then with advance. Then with avoiding change of engagement, sweep.
Then from the 4 meters: Make simultaneous to begin with. Then judge opponent's likely intention based on their weight in on guard (let the opponent get on guard first), and plan accordingly. Focus on fast, strong, forward start, but with choice of AiP, hit open line, or chase and hit. Also, occasionally attack au fer opponent's AiP.
Finished with riposte head, riposte flank, riposte belly, riposte point. Possibly with counter ripostes.
07-23-2009 12:16 AM