Beginners

[Alain]

Hi everyone,

This subject has been touched on before in a couple of threads, but I'm interested to find out more - for the sake of my own club, but also for myself.

So, here's your exam question...

"Beginner courses - discuss".

Try to keep it clean And thanks for your help

[drippingwet]

Beginners courses teach new people to the sport how to fence. They are led by a coach or senior fencer because these people are the most knowledgable. Beginners courses are very useful for beginners.

[LUDICROUS]

Beginner courses should be ran by a friendly person in a friendly atmosphere.

The hard and cold attitude that builds mutual respect comes later

[drippingwet]

Some people might say that violent threats and slander comes next.

[Alain]

Some people might say that violent threats and slander comes next.

Aren't they supposed to? Oh no, wait, we let people do épée at our club, as well as the other weapons...

[Asphalt]

Aren't they supposed to? Oh no, wait, we let people do épée at our club, as well as the other weapons...

<chuckles merrily to himself>


its not that i don't like beginners...i just couldn't manage a whole one.

[Alain]

Er-hum. Anyway, for bonus marks... what planning and content do you think should go into these courses? What sort of structure should classes have, how long should they run for (and for how many weeks), how many students and coaches per class..? All that sorta stuff...

Thanks

[drippingwet]

Asphalt, you eat beginners?

[Asphalt]

I did the BFA club leaders course last year and it was based on giving very simple coaching, that or giving a starter course.

In a perfect world (and off the top of my head) here are some of the things which got covered.

Group of ten or twelve
One/one and a half hour sessions
Once a week
For a month? for two?depends on personal choice or how much money you want to make.

Background and history of fencing. A short talk with suffice... no need to go on and on and on... description of the three weapons etc etc

Footwork.
Step forwards, back, crosses, very simple stuff.
Introduction to foil.
Basic description of conventions.
Thrust - extend arm
Lunge.
Remise, Reprise.

Blade work.
Parries quarte and sixte.
Beat attacks.
Disengages.

Basic drills with partner.
Parry riposte.
Counter attacks.

Really nothing too major... remember its just to get them integrated into the club - not make them world champs.
Also a buddy system... encourages partners to turn up if they aren't feeling motivated.
I'd wait until they started going to the club regularly before letting them try other weapons.. unless they express a particular interest.

I hope that's of some help.

And no i don't really eat beginners...i'm actually quite fluffly and lovely....

[guy_smiley]

Er-hum. Anyway, for bonus marks... what planning and content do you think should go into these courses? What sort of structure should classes have, how long should they run for (and for how many weeks), how many students and coaches per class..? All that sorta stuff...

Thanks

It depends on the age group, but in a general, as much footwork as they can handle (Have them do the footwork with foils in their hands, in uniform, just so it still feels enough like fencing that they don't get frustrated with not actually hitting someone.), mixed with just enough very controlled drilling with blades to keep it interesting, so they will keep coming back.

Back when I coached adult beginners, I never had them actually bout with one another until they understood:

a) The 4 basic parries (4, 6, 8, 7)
b) lines (high line, low line, inside line and outside line)
c) basic strategy (That's kind of up to your own interpretation of what "basic strategy" is.)

I also would usually have them observe more experienced fencers in a 5 touch bout and take the time to explain to them the strategy that went into each touch that occured.

They would usually be ready for some controlled bouting about the 5th or 6th week of a 8 week class (1 two hour class per week).

[Asphalt]

oh and i forgot to add...
health and f***ing safety...

let them play at the end...it's what they want to do - irrespective of age!

[ThatReallyHurt]

They also teach you that someone lunging at you isn't going to hurt you.

Seriously - for some people, that takes some getting used to.

[ThatReallyHurt]

<chuckles merrily to himself>


its not that i don't like beginners...i just couldn't manage a whole one.

Have you ever watched ReBoot?