More seriously, you want to be able to simulate a real bout when you train alone, complete with frequent, rapid changes in direction, changes in timing (slow to fast and vice versa--extra credit it it's more complex), and the like. Strength and power exercises are also useful (lunges, heal raises, lower than normal en garde positions).
To some extent, the type of footwork depends on the type of weapon with which you train.
Don't forget that you can practice shadowing your bladework, too. Just thinking about the actions and practicing the motions can go a long way.
Good luck... and you really should try to swim to your closest salle if you can.
Doing footwork in the sand will really help build strength and endurance. I've also found that running backwards on it does some amazing things for your ability to retreat quickly.
Jokes aside, swimming is great conditioning for fencing and builds endurance and arm flexibility. The Hungarians swear by it.
Try finding some heavy branches and make a set of "indian clubs." (google the term). These are great for flexibility, strength and endurance and I've found them to translate well for fencing. Of course you could always find some rocks for dumbell-like training.
For more fencing related work, you should be able to find a stick and fashion something to practice bladework. It would be better than nothing, although it may be hard to get it FIE approved.
Lastly, there is always mental training. This is often ignored by fencers, but things like visualization can pay off in spades.
R-
__________________ "Some people are born great fencers, some people achieve fencing greatness, and some people have it thrust upon them."
My daughter has her own version of your "no-fencing hell". She had shoulder surgery and has a 3 months before she can hold a foil and another month after that until she can begin to actively fence. She is doing footwork with her coach. She is also working on tactics. If you want specifics, I'll get her to post this weekend. She told me that between the new and improved shoulder and the time to work on essentials, like footwork, she said her fencing will be smoother, more relaxed, and smarter.
I agree with army about shadow fencing and visualizing actions. You can also visualize your whole tournament routine, and you can just go do normal exercising as well. Four weeks of core strength, balance work and plyo can do a lot for your fencing.
__________________
"If I were ever to challenge you to a duel, your best bet would be battle axes in a very dark basement." Misquoted from The Prisoner
"Technical excellence is the antecedant of tactical creativity." - Nat Goodhartz
But those things which belong neither to God nor to Caeser, feeleth free to writeth them off, for yea, they are deductable.
I'd probably do a lot of hiking to strengthen my legs, especially if the dessert island had a volcano on it.
__________________ When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, and he looks you crooked in the eye and he asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."
You have to practice your fencing, what do you do?
You're alone, you have no gear (not for about 4 weeks or so) but you don't want to not train, how do you train?
I'm guessing footwork, but how? just pass back and forth?
Please pass Gav a laxative. And now to answer your question:
I'm alone on an island [HEAVEN] - no fencing gear I do have to practice. This is not difficult:
1. swimming - swim every day
2. run - every day
3. eat only the veggies that I know
4. I'm sure that I would find a branch, stick or peice of bamboo and fence a tree or something for target.
This is not a biggie. I've trained with next to nothing - I ran miles and miles a day; swam 10 olympic laps at Hofstra nearly every day - that's it.
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