Speed ​​is a critical component of the modern competitive fencer’s capabilities. Although experience and tactical skill remain important, the general trend towards youth in sports that has changed the dynamics of other sports is also shaping fencing. This suggests that individuals in the sport must consider how the components of speed interact in the execution of specific techniques in combat.

Physiologically, the reaction time and tactically the time spent in the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act loop largely determine how quickly the fencer can act in any tactical situation. He must be able to identify a threat or opportunity, select the correct action, and move his body to score the blow. There are real physiological limits in milliseconds on how quickly these steps can be accomplished. Experience can reduce these times, especially in terms of recognition, but a fencer who wants to maximize speed should consider that speed also results from at least six factors: heredity, technical excellence, available techniques, physical preparation, relaxation, distance, and intention. .

Heredity determines your body structure and muscle fiber combination. For fencing, fast twitch fibers are essential. If you are born with a preponderance of fast twitch fibers, you will be quicker in short duration explosive actions. If you have a preponderance of slow twitch fibers, you will be slower, but with better endurance. Regular training helps all these fibers perform at a higher level.

Technical excellence is an important part of speed. Correctly executed techniques are biomechanically efficient, move the blade the shortest distance, and are smooth in execution. The smoother and more controlled your attacks, parries, counters and footwork are, the faster you will be.

The set of techniques you have available also influences speed. In general, the more techniques your brain has to search to find the answer, the slower your transition from opportunity identification to execution will be. You obviously need enough technical options to make your offense and defense work. But spending time developing underperforming stocks can impose a speed penalty.

Physical training contributes to speed by increasing core strength and balance and the strength and work capacity of the muscles. Personalized endurance, speed and agility training programs focused on fencing movement patterns will get you faster.

Although it may seem otherwise, the more relaxed you are, the faster you will be. To demonstrate this, try making a fist and creating as much muscle contraction as you can in your arm. Extend your arm with this resistance. Now loosen your arm, relax and extend it. Yes, the relaxed extension will be faster.

The ability to control distance is a key part of speed. The shorter the distance your point has to move in the attack, the faster the perceived speed of the attack will be, and the less time an opponent will have to react. Similarly, the longer the opponent’s attack must be in motion, the slower it is relatively and the higher the chance of defeating it. This means that the combination of footwork, arm position and tactical sense is a determining factor in speed on the court.

Finally, the intention is essential. If you don’t have a plan for your next gig, you’ll spend time trying to figure out when to do it. If you do not believe in your action and are not willing to execute it with enthusiasm, it will be hesitant and slow. To be fast, you must know what you want to do and commit wholeheartedly to the action.