Slump

[mmcelwain]

Been fencing a little over a year now and up until about 3 weeks ago I made good, steady progress. Now suddenly I can't fence worth crap (even by my relatively newbie standards). Footwork, bladework, timing...all gone South.

Just wondering what you folks do when you hit this nasty little wall--assuming you do.

[germanguy]

.....

[shortepeeist]

Just to reiterate what germanguy said is that everyone hits walls like that. I recently had hit one and I took a short time off and got my timing back. Maybe taking a short break for a week or so could help. Also don't give up! Everyone hits times when they are not that good or it just isn't working for them.

[Craig]

Hitting a plateau in training is normal. What you want to look for is when you start to get a little worse - that indicates that you are on the verge of a breakthrough and jump up to the next level.

It seems counterintuitive to expect a dip before going back up, but it's an indicator that you are working to incorporate new ideas into your game. That creates some instability in your results and performance since you are now outside your comfort level.

Once you become proficient at the new actions/tactics/strategies, then you see a jump in your level until you reach your next plateau.

Craig

[suregrip]

Craig -

You just made my day. I switched grips, and under the advice of other more experienced fencers here, have not gone back to my old grip. I seemed to be doing wonderful at first, getting nice touches on fencers with high ratings. Lately, however, even the beginners seem to be picking me off.

I've been telling myself to be patient.......why even HOLDING this grip is SO different.........after several years of doing ok against other fencers with more experience, then to suddenly hardly be able to hold it together against a beginner - it can be demoralizing.

Anyway, thanks for your input. I feel 'juiced up' and ready for my next class.

[electricepeeist]

Yeah, I started on a nasty slump in February, where once in a while I'd fence a good bout, but generally I couldn't focus at ALL, I had to put all my concentration on reflexive stuff like parries...Then one night I lost to a girl 7-1, then later randomly got focused and lost 15-13. I thought I'd suddenly stopped being so bad, but then the next night I went to practice...and sure enough, I was losing 5-1 to people I often beat. I had been doing really badly in tourneys as well...21st in a tourney I'd come in 5th place in the year before. I wanted to take time off and try to wake up, (which might have been part of the problem, I get 5 1/2 to 6 hours of sleep a night) but my coach told me the same thing, that I was just hitting another plateau and it's shocking me cuz it's my first big plateau, but I'd get over it and eventually hit another one (oh splendid) and then forced me to fence an adult event 3 days later...somehow I managed to do decently, so I think I'm maybe getting over it.

[esskreemr]

Originally Posted by mmcelwain

Now suddenly I can't fence worth crap (even by my relatively newbie standards). Footwork, bladework, timing...all gone South.

Happens to just about everyone. You mention that "Footwork, bladework, timing...all gone South." Funny thing is that the opposite is probably true, everything has gone north. Now that you have the basics, you're probably starting to think more, that's where you'll hit a wall every time. You'll pass this stage eventually.

One suggestion, if you base your "slump" on the idea that you once beat other newbies and now are having a hard time, try to remember to K.I.S.S. when fencing a less experienced fencer. Keep It Simple Stupid basically means try more direct attacks, maybe a simple feint or disengage, but nothing elaborate.

Nothing will break your confidence quicker than a newbie who doesn't react the "right" way. Part of fencing is deception, most newbies don't pick up on clues as well as more advanced fencers. For now, keep your advance strategizing for fencers who are near or above your level.

[pacer]

This couldn't be more timely. During my lesson last night I felt like I had lead boots on and as if I'd totally forgotten how to hold my epee (wrist bending, elbow sticking out .....) After an icky day at work it was about too much. By a fluke of a "good" day I qualified at sectionals and will be at summer nationals, so I've increased my number of lessons, training and now it feels like I reduced my level of competence. But every now and then I do get the realization of what went wrong before I immediately repeat the same mistake. That's when I tell myself maybe, just maybe, there is a chance I'll improve. Nonetheless, I'm still in it for the fun of it, which at my age is the best reason.

[morael]

As much as we all love our clubs, fencing the same people can get stale and make you feel stagnant. I'd suggest visiting another club, if possible. Or, of course, entering a tournament. Fencing with a bunch of different people at all levels can give you a jump start.

[Lee Yue Yang]

Originally Posted by mmcelwain

Been fencing a little over a year now and up until about 3 weeks ago I made good, steady progress. Now suddenly I can't fence worth crap (even by my relatively newbie standards). Footwork, bladework, timing...all gone South.

Just wondering what you folks do when you hit this nasty little wall--assuming you do.

I had a similar experience and I think I'm having the same thing now too.What I do is hang up my mask for a while and take a break of about a week.During that period,I watch fencing videos look around at equipment and things like this and before I know it,I'm desperate to get back to fencing and everything just seems to come back again.

[counterattack]

Originally Posted by Lee Yue Yang

I had a similar experience and I think I'm having the same thing now too.What I do is hang up my mask for a while and take a break of about a week.During that period,I watch fencing videos look around at equipment and things like this and before I know it,I'm desperate to get back to fencing and everything just seems to come back again.

I agree with this advice. A week off may be just the ticket. When I feel the problems are in my head (strategy and timing) and not in my body, I take a little time off, maybe watch some good fencing, certainly think about it a little... but don't really try to learn anything new. If you have never tried this method of getting out of a rut, I recommend it once. If you have tried it and it doesn't work for you (some people seem to be more sensitive to missing a week of drills or bouting) then you can mark it off the list of things to try, but it works for me.

[mmcelwain]

Thanks to one and all for the feedback, insights, and most of all the encouragement. I appreciate it and have no doubt the (to paraphrase Steinbeck) "world will once again spin in greased grooves."

[Dan H]

Originally Posted by Craig

Hitting a plateau in training is normal. What you want to look for is when you start to get a little worse - that indicates that you are on the verge of a breakthrough and jump up to the next level.
Craig

I'm due for a heck of a breakthrough!

[Monkeyboy]

I've been fencing for 8 yrs now, with only epee the last 5. Last weekend I got beat by a beginer foil fencer! His clubmates talked him into it for the experience since it was only 5 bucks more. As you advance in skill, it pays to remember that beginers will not do what they are SUPPOSED to do, and adjust accordingly. I was way to close and rushed things, while not really concentrating because hey, its just a beginer here. NEXT tournament, I will fence better. Thats what you gotta do, just get back up on that horse and try again. Oh and I had a great time, even though I lost.

[jBirch]

Hey all,

Oh yeah, been there.

Short story: whupped everyone in my pool last Saturday, even the guys who normally give me a hard time. Then I fenced one of my students in the first round of the DE and all he did was attack. Straight. I'd feint, he'd lunge or not move. Footwork, no play. Beats, no play. Just walk up and attack me, then remise, remise, remise. ARGH! Got me off balance and it was 11-3 before I could think. Got my epee counter-attacks back under control and finished with my little student beating me 15-11. So frustrating, especially after I got my brain back and he just doubled up for the win.

Beginners do not react as they are supposed to. If you've got any skill, remember that.

[esskreemr]

Excellent advice. I've started fencing in three surrounding divisions. My fencing has made enormous gains as a result. This year I want to fence in more opens and maybe an NAC or two...