Heel to Heel

[FHPyro4L]

Are there any good suggestions out there to keeping my feet heel to heel when they're at a right angle when i'm in 'on guard' position? I've got this nasty habit of moving my frontheel, heel to toes while advancing/retreating without realizing it... my legs just don't like to stay like that! So despite my coaches' frequent lecturing, i've yet to rid myself of the bad habit... Any ideas??? thanks all..

[Craig]

Are you saying that you tend to change from a 90 degree angle to feet parallell or in a straight line? If so, then that's just lots and lots of practice doing footwork.

I tend to have my feet at closer to a 45 degree angle to facilitate more forward momentum and to keep me on the balls of my feet when moving quickly. That's really up to your coach to set you with the preferred method for your salle. (I learned the 90 degree method and kept if for several years before modifying my stance to adjust to my game/style.)

In terms of practice, do footwork along one of the lines painted on the gym floor. Every few steps, check to make sure that your lead foot is on the line and that the heel of your back foot is also on the line and that you are keeping your feet at the appropriate angle. You'll start to feel where your feet are and know what it feels like when they are in the correct position. From there it's just lots and lots of footwork practice to get the proper form ingrained.

Cheers,
Craig

[FHPyro4L]

I meant that while I begin with my feet at the right angle, the front foot drifts in and changes where the heel was, in reference to my other foot, not the angle.. Gee I hope that makes sense... But i've got what you're saying. Thanks sorry if I confused you there! It's like a natural talent of mine..

[DHCJr]

First of all, let me say I am not a coach and as far as my fencing is concerned, there are those out there who have seen me fence, who would swear on a stack of bibles, that what I do could not be in any way construed as fencing.

I have a feeling you fence mostly on the balls of your feet, which is good. The problem is when you are on the balls of your feet, for your points of contact with the ground to be in line, your feet will be in the position you describe. With the little knowledge I have (very very dangerous), I believe Craig’s idea is sound. I would also rock onto your heals and toes and see where your balance is, so you can get used to the feel of where you should be.

I hope this helps some.

[susanloper]

What weapon are you fencing?

[KShan5[PrFC]]

At fencing camp at Brown University over the summer I learned that my foot was at more of a 45 degree angle. At a footwork station at camp, we were told to get en guarde and close our eyes. Then told to advance for about 30 seonds and retreat for about 30 seconds and stop. When I look around it turned out that a girl and myself completely switched places, still haven't corrected it, should get on that.

[FHPyro4L]

Originally posted by susanloper
What weapon are you fencing?

Foil....

But thanx tho.. those are good ideas... good stuff...

[Boo Boo]

Try practicing footwork on a line (i.e. the edge of a basketball/volleyball court marking) - this should help you to practice keeping your feet straight and moving in a straight line.

Boo

[Saber Girl]

Stand in on guard position all the time....walk using advances (maybe when no one is watching )

Keep your knees bent!
Keep your knees bent!
Keep your knees bent!
Keep your knees bent!

[susanloper]

I think the reason most people teach footwork with your heels aligned is to make sure your torso is straight. An upright torso is important for keeping your balance and being able to change directions well. When you're doing footwork in the mirror, make sure your shoulders are over your hips. If you're leaning over, then your feet will likely shift to support you.
If your torso is upright, on the other hand, I wouldn't worry about it too much (other than placating your coach). Most foil fencers I've seen have their heels out of line for stability when bouncing or jumping back and forth.

Good luck,
Susan