WHAT IT TAKES

WHAT IT TAKES

Explosive power, speed and aerobic fitness are some of the key components for a World Class fencer as English Institute of Sport strength and conditioning coach Raph Brandon explains…

1. What are the main physiological requirements to become a World Class fencer?
To be a World Class fencer, there are a number of key components. On top of the high level of skill and technique that the sport requires, physiological components include explosive power, especially in the legs for movements such as the lunge which are key for success.

The sport is very fast as the opponent is constantly trying to move faster and out-smart you. Therefore speed is important, both in the fencer’s footwork and in their sword skills.

Fencing tournaments often take place over a weekend and to win a medal a fencer often has to fight seven or eight times. This makes aerobic fitness very important to ensure their muscles remain strong all the way to the final.

2. In training what specific aspects would a fencer be working on?
In fencing sessions they will perform technical footwork and sword skills followed by sparring.   
Sessions will often last around two to three hours. These sessions will focus on development of the sport specific speed and endurance requirements explained above. When the fencers come into the EIS, our strength and conditioning sessions will focus on development of strength, power and aerobic fitness to enable them to perform at a higher level in training.

3. What are common injuries within the sport and can strength and conditioning work help prevent them?
The most common injuries that we see in fencers are chronic injuries and strains in the lower limb and lower back. EIS will hopefully be helping develop a conditioning programme for the fencers whereby we work towards an injury prevention strategy rather than purely treatment and rehabilitation after injury.
 

By Ally McDonald

13.04.07