Yale Researchers affirm the Hot Hand in Sports
Having a “hot hand”, going on a run, being “on fire”. Across all sports there are examples where an athlete seems to suddenly be unstoppable – hitting every action, or nailing every shot from the field. The idea of the “hot hand” in sports is something widely believed, but there has not been any scientific or statistical proof to back it up.
Fencing Footwork Training Part 1 (Video)
This video comes from the coaching archives of the USFA Coaches College, led by Alex Beguinet. Covered in this video are the following topics: “Previewing” The orienting movement required whenever performance involves body transport is called previewing. The critical factor in previewing is the rate of the performer’s movement. For a particular rate of body [...]
Zen Warrior – Chess Master: Video
A new sport psychology video has been released that discusses the necessary psychological shifts between the analytical and intuitive (or active) mindsets during a fencing bout. Discussion points are led by Dr. John Heil with additional input from 2 time Olympian Jason Rogers. Discuss this video in the forums.
Getting Ready for the Fencing Season: Training
Resources for planning and measuring your fitness and training for the 2011-2012 fencing season. Now that all of the schedules for the North American Cup (NAC), Regional Open Circuit (ROC) and Super Youth Circuit (SYC) events are complete, most fencers and families will be working out their schedules to map out how the rest of [...]
The Effort Effect
“We insist on giving our best effort in everything we undertake. Furthermore, we see a huge difference between “good mistakes” (best effort, bad result) and “bad mistakes” (sloppiness or lack of effort.)” That was one of the Core Values & Beliefs for an Internet startup (MindSpring). The mindset there – work hard, solve problems, get [...]
3 Things I Learned from Winning Ugly
The amount of insight that can be gleaned from Brad Gilbert’s Winning Ugly might be surprising since it is a “how-to-win” guide to tennis. The book emphasizes things that one can do to improve their play outside of improving their technique (for that Brad suggests taking lessons with a coach.) I’ve selected the top 3 [...]
Fencing Sport Psychology Video
This video contains interviews and observations on the psychological side of fencing. Interviews shot at the 2010 Summer National Championships. Thanks to Dr. Heil for pointing out the video to us.
Periodization of your conditioning plan
A proper strength and conditioning training regimen will change during the year as you shift from pre-season work to peaking for your most important tournaments. Read through this article to help plan your training cycle.
Weight Training for the Competitive Fencer
Putting together a weight training and fitness plan isn’t a mystery only open to fencers vying for a spot on the national team. Lorenzo Casertano highlights the steps fencers should be taking to improve their chances on the strip: Dispelling the “Weights slow your fencing” myth Any competitive fencer knows that strength and power play [...]
Featured Video: Kiefer for Gold
Lee Kiefer took gold medal in the Cadet Women’s Foil event. In this bout, Kiefer uses a preparation in which her hand and point are held high on the initial step. Training advice: Watch this video once through. Then go back through the video and try to piece out the tactical choices being made by one of the fencers.
