Lets Talk First Lessons and Drills

[An-D]

(I've had a name on this board long ago, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it is...so now I'm posting as someone new)

I'm a student at Western Carolina University, and as president of our little fencing club (I've got about 3 years experience fencing foil) its up to me to try teach new people how to fence. Since we're a relatively small (and poor) club, we teach primarily foil to start off. I've had moderate success in the past, though I've completely lacked a rigid schedule of events for what I teach, when.

So, I humbly ask for advice on how I can keep a...list, I suppose of when to teach new fencers what so everyone progresses at the same pace. Different footwork drills, gripping techniques (our armory consists mostly of french grip foils), parrying drills and the like would be fantastic. If its worked for you or your club in the past, I would love to know it.


Thanks for any help! I eagerly await input!
- Andrew

[kuroutesshin]

If you can find some fencing books, however old, in your university library they'll be a great help. Also, look online for coaching info, or look to the USFCA.

I'll give you a brief rundown of a lesson I give to people picking up the blade for the first time. I spent this summer fencing and teaching young folks in our local club as a means of community service and skill development.

1. Explain (briefly) the development of fencing throughout history to the modern game. Include topics on grips, national schools, and dueling. This gives people a little bit of background, lets little kids pretend their duelling, and older folks a better appreciation for the sport.
2. The grip. We started people on french grips, so explain the use of the thumb and pointer, as well as the three guides. Promise the fencer that they don't have to be perfect right now, and that as they go on it'll be easier. The same is true of using the orthpedic grip- finger usage is identical.
3. Start with the first position and the salute, then drop into on-guard and show proper foot, arm, torso, and leg position.
4. The advance and retreat. Have them put down their weapon so it doesn't get in the way. Remind them to bend their knees and keep their feet straight- encourage them to follow lines on a floor or in tiles if they exist.
5. Extension and lunge. Proper body position, use of the off-hand, explaining overextension such.

Here's where I put the weapons back in their hand and explain target. We start people off in foil, so it's easy to remember. Then, we play the "three advances" game.

Fencer A has three advances and a lunge. They have to lunge and hit the opponent, but they have up to three advances to cover distance and lunge. Fencer B has unlimited retreats to get out of the way. If Fencer A's attack fails, Fencer B gets their three lunges to attack. And so on and so forth until someone gets a touch.

The game teaches distance, footwork, and thinking, and it's a great way to use what you've learned. Everytime I have the newbies do it, they end up laughing and having fun because they're usually fencing their friends.

And then I end the lesson.

[Allen Evans]

You need to skip a couple of beer runs and and use the money to buy Vinnie Bradford's book: "Taking Foil Groups to a Competitive Level". It was written for just your situation in mind. I believe you can find it at most fencing vendor's web sites.

Allen Evans

[MdA]

"Foil Fencing" by Muriel Bower and Gillet's "Foil Techniques and Terminology" are a good start and have everything you need for a foil class

[MdA]

Another good one...for setting up a class. "Foil, Saber, and Epee Fencing by Garret, Kaidanov, and Pezza.
...lotsa good stuff in there to fill up a semester.

[MdA]

Reference the following thread
Compound Riposte Qs

[jBirch]

I'd also suggest these manuals from the Canadian Fencing Federation:

http://www.fencing.ca/coaching_manuals/manuals.htm

They're intended for coaches looking for an introductory syllabus.

Hopefully, that'll get you squared away for your first few seasons.

Welcome to Coaching!

Some days it sucks, and some days it rules: but it's always rewarding.

Write back if you have any other questions...

James.

[MdA]

Here is a group epee lesson plan from the USFCA website. You can make it work for foil

[MdA]

I'd also suggest these manuals from the Canadian Fencing Federation:
http://www.fencing.ca/coaching_manuals/manuals.htm

James.

Thanks for the link to the Canadian website. I didn't know these were online. I took a quick look at the foil manual and it looks very good...especially pictures of parry positions.

http://www.fencing.ca/coaching_manua...3_foil_eng.pdf

There is definitely enough here to put together lessons for many classes without going out and buying a book.

[An-D]

This is all really great stuff, guys. Thanks a ton! First *real* practice is on Thursday, so I'm hoping with all this backing me up, I'll be able to really grind the basics into the new people.

If anyone has any more ideas ("fun" drills, especially), let me know!