HOW TO WATCH A FENCING MATCH (part 1)
Hello people, today i am going to tell you about how to watch a fencing match! If you have never watched Fencing before you are going to find it an exciting and complex sport. At times Fencing may appear to be doing little more than standing around and "psyching-out" your opponent, before engaging in lightning speed action, where split second timing can win or lose the match.
Some KEY information
You will notice that the Athletes are fencing in a defined area, which is easy to see when they are fencing on a metallic fencing surface, or within a determined space on the ground. This area is called the fencing Piste or Strip. You will also notice that both fencers are attached by cords or cables that run from their weapons, through their jackets, to a nearby scoring apparatus. This apparatus will light up from time to time, with either coloured lights or coloured and white lights. Most importantly you will notice that each fencer is dressed in a “fencing uniform”. This uniform not only provides them bullet proof like protection, but it also helps in some weapons in the detection of a hit. Oh! I almost forgot the well dressed individual that looks like they are directing an orchestra, is the referee, this individual determines, with the aid of the scoring box, who has scored valid hits and who eventually wins the bout.
Some TIPS to watching
Fencing is physically and mentally demanding, where speed, strength, footwork, finger-work and psychology are essential to winning. These following hints should be helpful in giving you an eye for the game:
· Do not try to watch both fencers, focus on one fencer only.
· The fencer who moves forward first is usually considered to be the attacker; this is usually accompanied
with the blade point being directed towards the opponent’s target area.
· The attacker's blade move may be parried (the blade is moved out of the line of attack) and the defender may then immediately riposte (attempt to hit the attacker).
· A fencer is defending when taking steps back, or when parrying and riposting.
· Watch the footwork, and notice how fencers try to maintain distance in order to either launch an attack with a lunge or to assure their defense if the opponent attacks. (The fencer with the best footwork usually wins.)
· Try to recognize the split second in which the fencer you are watching tries to provoke a counter action or a
reaction from the opponent.
· To follow the actions in Foil and Sabre watch the Referee and make note of his hand actions.
· Also watch the small controlled
movements of the Fencer’s hands as the tiny movements they make can
take years to learn!
This is the first part of How to watch a fencing match! Second part is coming soon!
Some KEY information
You will notice that the Athletes are fencing in a defined area, which is easy to see when they are fencing on a metallic fencing surface, or within a determined space on the ground. This area is called the fencing Piste or Strip. You will also notice that both fencers are attached by cords or cables that run from their weapons, through their jackets, to a nearby scoring apparatus. This apparatus will light up from time to time, with either coloured lights or coloured and white lights. Most importantly you will notice that each fencer is dressed in a “fencing uniform”. This uniform not only provides them bullet proof like protection, but it also helps in some weapons in the detection of a hit. Oh! I almost forgot the well dressed individual that looks like they are directing an orchestra, is the referee, this individual determines, with the aid of the scoring box, who has scored valid hits and who eventually wins the bout.
Some TIPS to watching
Fencing is physically and mentally demanding, where speed, strength, footwork, finger-work and psychology are essential to winning. These following hints should be helpful in giving you an eye for the game:
· Do not try to watch both fencers, focus on one fencer only.
· The fencer who moves forward first is usually considered to be the attacker; this is usually accompanied
with the blade point being directed towards the opponent’s target area.
· The attacker's blade move may be parried (the blade is moved out of the line of attack) and the defender may then immediately riposte (attempt to hit the attacker).
· A fencer is defending when taking steps back, or when parrying and riposting.
· Watch the footwork, and notice how fencers try to maintain distance in order to either launch an attack with a lunge or to assure their defense if the opponent attacks. (The fencer with the best footwork usually wins.)
· Try to recognize the split second in which the fencer you are watching tries to provoke a counter action or a
reaction from the opponent.
· To follow the actions in Foil and Sabre watch the Referee and make note of his hand actions.
· Also watch the small controlled
movements of the Fencer’s hands as the tiny movements they make can
take years to learn!
This is the first part of How to watch a fencing match! Second part is coming soon!
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