turning over the hand

[Millamber]

Hello all,

I've noticed a problem, mostly from a fleche. When I fleche on my opponent, to the wrist or shoulder, I find that I am turning my hand over (palm down) and angulating high as the touch lands. In result, the tip of my epee bends downward instead of up, about 4 inches from the tip being the fulcrum. This wouldn't bother me nearly as much but it happens so often that the glue holding down the wire is starting to pop loose at the fulcrum point.

Any ideas on trying to relearn how to keep my hand straight during a fleche? It is also possible that my distance is slightly off when I start the fleche.

Thanks in Advance

-Chris

[Gav]

Sounds like you are tensing your shoulder.

Try this:

First of all don't try and correct your hand extension when on the fleche, work at it when advancing and doing the lunge.

When extending your arm it should not be extended to its fullest. Aim for about 95-98% instead. This will keep your arm more relaxed and allow you to do things like use finger plat.

Stand on guard in sixte. Extend your arm [as above] and take a step forward. Ensure that your arm extends smoothly from on guard and that it remains in the same line whe you are finished. Ensure that your thumb is in the correct position at the end of the extension [at 11 o'clock for lefties, 1 o'clock for righties]. Pay attention tou your arm. How did you extend it? Remember that the arm is lifted from the trapeziums (I think those are the right ones) at the rear of your shoulder. Additionally it is your triceps that control arm extension. Are you relaxed and confortable? If you are then good, go back to onguard.

Repeat a few times. Pay attention to what your arm is telling you. Watch for the point extending smoothly forward until your arm is extended. Remember that the point should still be treatening the target. Remember that your arm is going to be extending smoothly in the sixte line. Do not allow your arm to travel across your body.

Next try extending your arm followed by a calm, slow, technically good step forward. Your arm should extend smoothly first, then your feet move and finally once you have finished your step you should go back to On Guard. Don't allow yourself to be sloppy and just relax your arm. Maintain the smooth relaxed motions - from extension back to On Guard.

Keep practising this.

Once you are comfortable with it try fleches. Remember smooth extension with the arm first then weight over your front foot before springing into the fleche. Practise with your coach or with another experienced fencer. Remember and pay attention to the feedback from your arm.

Hope that helps. I've laboured a couple of points but I hope you get the picture.