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sophia*alexis · 07-20-2005, 12:34 AM

Hey,
my sabre tends to drop lower as I move forward. Thus, always giving my opponent chance to beat & score. Even if it's my attack that touch her first.

I dunno how to better control my blade?

Alexis

VERITAS · 07-20-2005, 01:05 AM

Train the techniques of engaurd, extension, lunge along with appropriate bladework with a partner, or ideally a teacher.

Do pushups and chinups if arm strength is an issue.

Be aware if your arm is simply shorter than your opponent's obviously you will have shorter reach. In that case be aware and use it as an opportunity to counterattack his counterattack!

Practice more. At home in front of the mirror, in the shower, while watching TV, during breaks at work or school, etc.

Welted 24/7 · 07-20-2005, 01:33 AM

You mean your blade drops out of guard when you advance, right? That's a problem I've had also. At club, I usually just ask to be hit extra hard in the head when I do that. It's a nice incentive NOT to do that. Compared to some other things you could have a problem with, it's really not that hard to fix. For me, it's more of an awareness thing than anything else. When my attention starts to wander, I just sort of move forward with my blade down and get clobbered.

When do you notice it happens most? Is it all the time, or when you get tired, or when your mind is wandering, or what? We can answer better if we have a better idea of what's causing it.

sophia*alexis · 07-20-2005, 02:12 AM

Thanks for yr responses! It really help me to pay more attention to why my blade drops. I think it's partly because my mind was thinking how to attack as I move forward. Now I tend to correct myself when I'm refresh. I can't seem to focus much when I fence.

Tiwaz · 07-20-2005, 07:43 AM

have you checked your holding the sabre right?

you could try taking the guard off your sabre and fencing like that for a while which should make it easier for you and your coach to spot mistakes and it will encourage the use of the fingers.

sophia*alexis · 07-21-2005, 01:28 AM

yup, I'll take note of that. Think getting the guard off needs a little help, haha.