Get the latest news and information from us. Join our newsletter!
How can I prepare for my fencing tournament?
I have the biggest fencing tournament of the year coming up in less than 2 weeks. It is the state tourny of my senior year. I am wondering how I can mentally and physically prepare myself in the next week and a half. What should I think?
Also is tehre a way to increase my parry and lunge speed?
Answer: You do not want to make major changes to your training in the last ten days before the competition. You should continue working hard for the next few days, then taper of on the intensity of your workouts so that you are fresh for the tournament. During that time concentrate on technique and executing your game plan.
There is little that you can do a week and a half to increase your speed, other than to concentrate on form. In the off season, you can increase your lunge speed through a combination of strength work (especially deadlifts and squats) and plyometrics (to increase power). The speed with which you parry will be improved primarily through drilling.
On the mental side of the game, you need to find what helps you to enter each match relaxed but focused. For some that is visualization. See yourself executing your techniques withing the match. Imagine yourself winning. For others, music helps to place them 'in the zone.'
I can't really tell you what will work for you, but I would try one or both of the above. Remember, it is all about focus.
