“I always get really nervous before a tournament. I’m concerned about fencing people I’ve never fenced before. What do I do?”
Think back to your last tournament. You were probably standing in the venue, looking around at all of the new faces. Remember when the pool was called, and you and the rest of the fencers in the pool are at the strip waiting for the referee to arrive? I can recall how I felt at that moment. My heart would be racing and my chest would feel tight.
Sport psychology is something that we often hear about, but may not know exactly what it is. It is the principles of psychology used in a sport setting. Sport psychology consultants look at how psychological aspects control an individual’s physical performance, and how competition in sport affects their psychological development, health, and well-being (Weinberg & Gould, 2003). Unfortunately, it is often viewed as something necessary for the weak-minded competitor who has “issues.” The reality is that the mental game of sports affects every athlete, no matter what their strengths or weaknesses may be. Sport psychology can help any fencer strive to meet their potential.
Flexibility and control are very important for fencing, which is why some coaches advocate practicing yoga to the aspiring athlete. Aspects of yoga are very good for fencing since the practice helps one calm down the mind and focus more intently on the next touch. (In fact, Kogler is a big advocate of yoga and it permeates his book "One Touch at a Time".)
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries occur in fencing, but they can be prevented with the right approach to training. This article touches on prevention, treatment, and rehabilition of ACL injuries.
“I always get really nervous before a tournament. I’m concerned about fencing people I’ve never fenced before. What do I do?”
