Sabre Fencing: Technical Skills Fundamentals

MAIN Positions

Mikhail Chernenok and Martin Rensky - experienced fencers - demonstrate the basics of technical mastery of sabre fencing. To hold the sabre, the entire length of the handle is used, the fingers constantly hold it, this protects the thumb of the armed hand from injury. In the initial position before the fight, the sabre is directed forward downward, the mask is in a bent unarmed hand. In the "Salute" position, the weapon is fixed with the raised edge of the blade up. In an “en guard” position, the athlete is half-turned to the opponent, the feet are at 90 degrees angle, and the body is vertical or slightly tilted forward. The weapon is in third position, for experienced athletes the weapon may be in low position. Five positions are mastered. The main ones are the top positions - the third, fourth and fifth. Particular tasks are performed by the lower positions - the second and first. When changing position, the elbow of the armed hand does not go beyond the outer projection of the body, the amplitude of the sabre movement is limited by the athlete's valid target.

When learning the technique of movements with a weapon, constant exercise and self-control is necessary, including in front of a mirror, especially for novice fencers.

FOOTWORK TECHNIQUE

Movement with steps forward, steps backward, jumps forward and backward, running backward should be distinguished by a rectilinear directionality along the piste, a clear placement of the foot on the path. Ease of movement should be sought, the natural transition from reception to reception. The jumps are characterized by the phase of flight and the depth of movement; special requirements are imposed on the preservation of the en guard position, the initial distance between the legs.

It is generally accepted to improve movement by a series of typical combinations, including at the stage of initial specialization. Exercises are performed on the instructions of the trainer, as well as independently.

TECHNIQUES OF WEAPON MANIPULATION

The technical and tactical improvement of qualified fencers is extremely effective in an individual lesson from a coach to an athlete. During the cuts execution, the guard moves in a straight line, “ coupes “ are carried out mainly by using the wrist. In a variety of exercises, consisting of a series of cuts on the hand, on the mask and on the right side, parries and ripostes improves the basics of the technique of using a sabre, the spatio-temporal and rhythmic peculiarities of performing actions in multi-stages actions. The speed and depth of an athlete's actions are determined by the range of movements of the trainer with the weapon, his approach or retreat.

The task of the continuity and speed of the contractions is combined with the need to achieve the clarity and complete structure of each individual technique.

The thrust is mandatory; the technique is characterized by the simultaneous withdrawal of the blade edge in the direction of the body and the straightening of the armed arm, in the final position of the guard at shoulder level. When performing the disengagement, the sequence of execution of the action elements is preserved. Taking into account the difficulties of sabre control, imitation exercises are recommended for young athletes.

ATTACK TECHNIQUES

In modern fencing, typical attack techniques - lunge, jump and lunge, throw with landing on the forward leg - are used in situation with an approaching opponent and as preparatory means. Widespread in sabre combat are attacks consisting of a series of forward steps and a lunge or final “flunge”. Movements of the front standing leg in the initial phase are percussive. This allows for a deeper attack.

In attack techniques of all varieties, the most important are: starting speed, continuity and maximum acceleration. The jump and lunge are improved as an independent complete action. The transitions from steps forward to lunge or “flunge” are continuous, the depth of attack and movement of the legs is coordinated depending on the movement of the opponent, the coach along the piste. A combination of attacks, consisting of three or more technical actions, is recommended for training and combat use. The high level of attack technique is the basis of sabre combat.

ATTACKS. CONTRATTACKS. PARRIES AND RIPOSTES

Simple attacks with a cut to the mask, as a rule, conditioned actions are performed from different distances. Simple attacks by hitting the right and left flank are typical performed by coupe to the opening sector based on a choice reaction. Feint attacks are multi-tempo in nature. The guard moves forward, and the blade makes rapid movements in the horizontal plane. Preserved in the arsenal of sabre fights, attacks with a cut to the arm in various planes, including for preparation and masking purposes.

To develop athletes' resistance to visual destructions, the coach hit the student on the side or on the mask, reacts to attacks with feints with retreats and parries. Momentary types of attacks are usually performed in the technique of a series of steps forward and lunge. A response attack with feints and a choice of sector to hit. Simple attack on a preparation with a cut to the mask. Repeat attack with the beat in the fourth engagement and a cut to the mask. The basis of countering attacks are parries with a choice and the fastest retreat followed by ripostes with a cut to the mask. The conditions for the combat use of defensive actions are created by wide movements of the trainer blade in exercises from a middle distance. Improving parries with a choice is combined with the execution of ripostes with a cut on the right side with a switching, in response attacks - counter-attacks are parried and followed by riposte to the mask. In a variety of exercises, in which the athlete does not know the sequence of actions in advance, the specialized skills of sabre fencing are mastered.

As a typical type of counterattack, cuts to the weapon arm from the outside with a deep retreat are mastered, cuts in a counter-tempo after approaching are mastered as well. To counter attacks with feints, total parries are used, mainly the fourth, with a cut to the mask. The circular prime parry with a riposte to the mask or left side has been preserved. Attack with the total beat to the prime, can be performed against the opponent counter-attacking with a point hit.

The point hit is most effective when retreating with a straight arm against deep attacks.

OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE COMBINATIONS

The extra-long distance of the fencing bouts allows the wide use of various combinations of actions. Switching from attack to parry a counterattack and deliver a riposte. Perform a false parry and then to preamp the opponent's attack with a counterattack. Make it difficult to attacker to perform the action with a false counterattack, then parry with a choice and deliver a riposte. More difficult is combination: fouls lunge on a preparation with the cut mask, then a conditioned parry and a response.

The perfect weapon manipulation technique and the variety of actions in the offense and defense, are characteristic of skilled fencers, create the prerequisites for achieving the highest sports results.