Foil Coaching Workshop with Adam Blight Dec 24

Описание: This workshop was intended to demonstrate and explore individual lesson exercises in foil with a strong consideration of movement and it's tactical implications. Recurrent themes in the different topics were -
• Developing good intuitions for - when to go, when not to go.
• Performing actions with - a good prospect of success.
• Performing actions in the context of tactically meaningful movement scenarios.

The day will work through the following topics -

Effective Simple Attacks - Following the mantra that - simple attacks are not simple, this practice will demonstrate a movement based approach to coaching simple attacks within individual lessons in a way which aims to ensure a fencer can develop - a good intuition for when to go and when not to go and perform simple attacks which have - a good prospect of success.

Exercise 1
In the context of manoeuvring, the coach periodically steps forwards and searches for the blade, the fencer can attack by disengage.

points to observe -
• The fencer adopts a low, broad stance, arm slightly extended, point low.
• If the fencer does not feel ready, for e.g. if their rear foot is not rooted they can choose not to go.
• the coach plays close attention to whether their feet and/or the fencers feet are in motion at the initiation of the signal
• The fencer controls the distance, namely a step lunge distance, such that an opponent is compelled to make a preparation.

After an initial practice, the topic was discussed and other aspects were considered, in particular how a fencer may change the rhythm of their movement in order to be able to perform this attack against a fencer who searches for the blade after beginning to move forward.

Exercise 2
Exploring simple attack by direct thrust. A discussion of the circumstances under which it is possible to score with this action and the role of training and coaching in a fencers development of a 'good intuition' for successfully performing this attack.

Variation 1 In the context of manoeuvring, the coach periodically performs a 'relatively unambiguous preparation' in the form of a movement forward combined with a slight withdrawal of the arm.

Variation 2 In the context of manoeuvring, the coach periodically performs one of three 'relatively unambiguous actions' including a) a preparation as in variation 1. b) search for the blade as in exercise 1. c) attack by direct thrust. Observation was made of the fencers performance, in particular how well the simple attack by direct thrust was performed in this context.

Variation 3 In the context of manoeuvring, the coach periodically performs unambiguous and ambiguous actions (where priority was uncertain) as in variation 2. Observation was made of the fencers performance, in particular how sound were their 'intuitive' choices in the face of uncertainty.

Exercise 3
Pressing actions were discussed and this exercise was demonstrated then practiced - the coach presses forward with absence of blade, the fencer periodically performs a feint of the counter attack with the following possibilities -

• Coach - attempt to finish.
• Fencer - parry and repost.

• Coach - search for the blade.
• Fencer - attack by disengage.

• Coach - hesitate.
• Fencer - direct attack

• Coach - disregard and continue to advance.
• Fencer - retreat and repeat the feint.

Exercise 4
The use of counter-attacks followed by a parry was discussed and demonstrated. This was practiced as a defensive solution to the coaches pressing action and performed in response to an increase in pace.

Exercise 5
The value of a sharp beat as a means of taking the initiative and establishing a pressing action was discussed and demonstrated. This was practiced.

Exercise 6
How pressing actions can be performed was discussed and demonstrated, then practiced. The coach simulates 'active defence' and how the fencer performs is considered.

Exercise 7
The possibility of introducing pressing actions as a 'surprising moment', using the previously practiced sharp beat, into other individual lesson exercises was discussed and demonstrated as a means of testing a fencers capabilities.

Exercise 8
A specific tactical application of a pressing action was demonstrated and practiced.

• Fencer - at about the centre of the piste, performs a sharp beat and advances.
• Coach - retreat almost to the end of the piste.
• Fencer - allows the coach to stop and performs a small feint with the back foot and a) if the coach steps forward, attacks. b) if the coach does not respond, retreat and repeat the action.

Exercise 9
The following choice reaction exercise was practiced.
• Fencer - perform a progressive attack by one-two.
• Coach - either - 1) attempt to parry. 2) begin to step back mid lunge and parry-riposte.
• Fencer - 1) score. 2) perform a second intention first counter-riposte.