got some Q for training

[Richard.W]

hi to everyone,

i start fencing in the school fencing club and i am wondering is any thing i can do to help me for the fencing... i am a short thin guy 170cm and i am wondering that anyway i can beat the tall big guy... they got longer & stronger arm than mine... should i do more training on the foot work so i got to be faster than those big huge guys or whatelse i can do for my own training to help me to face them...
thanks very much

[MyraTrue]

that makes you... 5 foot 6 inches. Hmm... thats the same height as me. I do alright against taller fencers, but I primarily fence epee.

If you fence foil, the big problem is being quick enough to break into their distance. A good fleche is an asset, as well as advance-lunge and ballestra-lunge. If you are quicker than another fencer, and if you have a better eye for your distance, its possible to let them do most of the work. Take the parry and make the reposte!

The only other thing that I can think to mention is that you have an advantage in infighting against taller fencers. When it comes to fencing at close quarters, if your arms are shorter, you can manipulate a blade easier than they can, and if you are close enough, it becomes VERY difficult for them to be able to hit you. I've met several shorter fencers (shorter than me, I'll admit) that were absolutly wicked with infighting. Well done for them.

Cheers,
Myra

[oiuyt]

It's a bigger problem in epee. With the others ROW protects you as you cross through that zone where the taller fencer can score and you can't.

Big, tall people tend to be slower than smaller, shorter people. Use the handspeed and footspeed edge to your advantage. Taller people also tend to take longer steps which negatively impacts their ability to change (direction, speed) suddenly. Concentrate on building footspeed, the ability to change direction quickly, and the ability to change tempo. Once you've got that start working on tactics that work well against the strengths of taller fencers. If your tall opponents like counter-attacking and relying on their reach to single light you, play countertime, etc.

And, as with nearly everything else in this sport, ask your coach. S/he'll not only be able to give you good general advice, but can also watch your bouts and give you good specific advice, something which we here on the board can never match.

-B :)

[Phoenix]

well, if u just started, you probaly aren't going to be the best when u jump in there. Footwork is a good thing to work on (fake 'em out) and controling your blade would be good too. If u just watch how they move and find a weak spot, your good to go. I do sabre, but it also has the right of way like foil. I thing I found out from this girl was every time I fought her, I advanced on her and she did at the same time, then I took like 1 or 2 step backs, she would lean forward, miss, and I would go in for the kill (parrt reposte is good.) Just watch how they move. do some forward , advance footwork and just freak them out.