Effective training interventions for the development of speed in fencing: a systematic review

doi:10.35189/dpeskj.2021.60.4.9

Abstract

Fencing is a sport in which speed, agility, explosive power and anaerobic endurance are essential for performance; reaction speed and the accuracy of the hit are also indispensable for achieving an optimal technique. This study aimed to analyse the scientific literature in order to find the most effective training methods for the development of speed in fencing. Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science databases were accessed with the purpose of finding original research studies focused on developing different forms of speed in fencing for any technical element of this sport, which were written in English, Romanian or Hungarian and were accessible in full text. Finally, 16 articles were included in the study. The types of training that led to improved fencing speed were: eccentric and plyometric training, strength training, core strength training, speed training, agility training, instability resistance training, fitness training, circuit training, ballistic and dynamic stretch training (during warm-up), functional training, bilateral transfer training, SAQ (speed, agility, quickness) training. These types of training were applied to foil, sabre and épée fencers of both genders, from various age groups and with different levels of training over periods between 1 and 12 months. To date, the exclusive superiority of one method has not been explicitly proven. In conclusion, it can be argued that several types of training can develop different forms of fencing speed, especially reaction and execution speed, which helps to achieve better performance in this sport.

Highlights

Fencing is an opened-skill sport in which the fight takes place between two duelling athletes who use one of the three weapons: épée, foil or sabre (Chtara et al, 2020)
The preliminary search led to the identification of 79 articles, of which 16 articles with original studies were considered eligible and included in the final analysis that made concrete references to the methods approached to increase fencing speed (Figure 1)
Shorter time advance - advance lunge without weapon in IG (p < 0.001) Longer distance advance advance lunge without weapon in SG (p = 0.00005) Better execution speed in IG Better static and dynamic balance, lunge and footwork in SG (p < 0.05) Results showed that the HPV of elite fencers was significantly higher than in intermediatelevel fencers (p < 0.001)

Summary

Introduction

Fencing is an opened-skill sport in which the fight takes place between two duelling athletes who use one of the three weapons: épée, foil or sabre (Chtara et al, 2020). A touch is performed by thrusting, while in sabre, this is done with the edge of the blade (Aquili et al, 2013). For instance stepping back and forward or jumping, which are used “to make a touché to the opponent are directly proportional to the athlete’s agility and muscle strength. These performance parameters may vary depending on the body size and structure of the fencers, but they can compete with equal success” These performance parameters may vary depending on the body size and structure of the fencers, but they can compete with equal success” (Turna, 2020, p. 127)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion