1 Hr Fencing Tutorial

[Fencergrl]

The key is keep the activities changing to keep them engaged. All the games I suggested involve footwork and/or strategy. I was really brief in my explanations, so if you need details on any games let me know.

Good Luck.

[Alexander Kai]

3) Get them to pair up, facing each other & do a distance game where they try and get close enough to tag the hand (I can give details if you don't know this game). Allow 5-10 minutes.

I feel that this game should be re-named the high five game, I also like it the best, as it makes the distance game more exciting and more fun.

[Fencergrl]

I like doing it right after footwork. For a few reasons, mainly because it re-enforces the closing/ opening of distance I mention in the footwork exercise. It works as a bit of a pop quiz. They get to apply the techniques they just learned.

Right after this game, I ask "Who did a lunge to close the distance?" (most put up their hands).
Then I ask "Who ran at their partner?"... usually a few sheepishly raise their hands or their partners point them out. I then explain that running is permitted, however if you run at a long distance, you tend to impale yourself as your opponent sees you coming, which is not only painful, but embarrassing. However, if you do a short sprint, at about the distance you would lunge, you can often catch your opponent off guard & score a point.

Then I ask who changed the size of their footsteps. Then explain that it's the one thing you can do on the "defence" position, by making it harder on your partner by 'opening' the distance. When I do this exercise with fencers they often will do this.

Then I'll ask who used changes of direction to catch your opponent coming forward. I then tell them how fencers often will use a change of direction as part of the set-up for an attack.

By relating each game to the skills and strategies used in fencing, it gives them a sense of what the sport is about.