On coaching...

[telkanuru]

So, I just got a job at a summer camp this year, because I can fence. Due to my possessing this remarkable ability, they want me to teach a 1-week intro thing each week. The other reason I got the job is that I'm a good shot, so not one of the little buggers will escape the camp The fencing teaching is not above my skill level; I've been helping my HS coach teach the noobs for the past 2 years. However, since this is a 1-week program, I want it to be fun (ex. not footwork for the whole week, which is how my teams starts each season), but still teach them something and at least start them on good form. Any suggestions for a curriculum?

[MyrddinsPrecint]

two of my friends are doing something very similar, except they'll be running a two 3-week things (with kids who'll be there for different ammounts of time)...

so i'm interested in any helpful info as well....

[grphiw]

Not that I've ever tried teaching fencing to a group of people seriously, I do have a few thoughts to say:

You have to do footwork. If you want to start them off well, footwork is essential. It doesn't have to be all at once, but it should be that they know basic terms (en garde, counter, parry, etc) without thinking too much.

Got any good swordplay movies? You know, spark more interest during a break.

I suppose if you can, let them try each weapon. This allows them to get rid of any pre-existing illusions about fencing by actually getting them to handle the weapons. It probably shouldn't be too technical; the piste can bea good teacher, and they'll have fun doing it, trying each weapon.

Just a few thoughts.

[Schiavona]

Originally Posted by telkanuru

However, since this is a 1-week program, I want it to be fun (ex. not footwork for the whole week, which is how my teams starts each season), but still teach them something and at least start them on good form. Any suggestions for a curriculum?

I've been teaching beginners for over 20 years, so here are some thoughts on your program;

1) Remember this is supposed to introduce fencing in a fun way, not produce the next WC champ
2) Try to get a weapon in their hands as soon as possible, I'd start with foil, simply because it's the most common weapon
3) Keep it simple! stance, advance-retreat, thrust-lunge, parry four and parry six(or three-which may be easier to teach)
4) Stress safety! No crossing blades without masks!
5) Let them pair off as soon as possible (this can be very interesting to watch, I've seen kids invent cutovers, disengages and binds without any instruction from me!)
6) Introduce the other weapons at the end of the week(this is for your sanity)
7) Remember it's supposed to be FUN!

[The0ne]

plenty of blade work. . . And as much bouting practice as you can put in, otherwise begginners get rather bored with drills. . . drills. . . drills. . .

[shlepzig]

Drills and Fun going together. It can happen.

Firstly for people to provide more suggestions they should have an idea how much kit you have on hand. Do you have enough gear to outfit your fencers with weapons, goves jackets and masks? Are the students buying their own? or will you have a couple of things for people to play with one at a time. Also what are your student's ages?

Secondly I have seen some coaches make things really fun.

Footwork drills combined with fun activities can make some of the mind numbing repetition seem enjoyable. The coach I am working with now has brilliantly combined fencing footwark and dodgeball to great fun. Rules are just like regular dogeball except all motion is made with advance and retreat. The coach observes to call outs for non-compliance. The ball is thrown with with the elbow with the arm held in front of the body (not much like en-garde but similar). Footwork is done, and people feel like they are having fun.

Another coach had us play Knee Slap with our gloves on a strip. The object was to slap your opponenets knee with your glove while not getting slapped yourself. The game was played in a strip and footwork was to be used. Distance and timing are key as is the lunge and advance retreat.

Glove drop, with weapon you can pin a dropped glove to the wall at extension distance. points can be awarded for the height at which it is pinned. Without a weapon dropped glove can be caught out of the air from lunge range. Lunge speed and control is key.

Tag, the group can play tag with IT using advances and the NOT-ITs using retreats. Allow people to maneuver around the room freely rather than in a striaght line.

Simon Says - Fencing style. Fencers follow either your feet (distance drill style) or words while you provide misdirection from the other.

I would love to hear other suggestions people have, especially for younger fencers.

Shlep.

[Schiavona]

Telkanuru, I meant to say this in my earlier post........Bravo! Bravo! for taking this job....... Bravo! Bravo! for taking this job seriously ! Because you care I'm sure you'll do fine.