Fente defence with occluded vision: The differences of anticipating accuracy and confidence as a spatial occlusion region and fencing expertise

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish the differences of anticipating accuracy and confidence according to fencing expertise and spatial occlusion region. Methods For the purpose of this study, the anticipation ability of 6 high-level fencing players and 6 low-level fencing players were analyzed. All subjects performed the 60 tasks of anticipating the attack positions(thorax, thigh, toe) from observing the fencing video screen using spatial occlusion technique. The spatial occlusion technique was used in 6 particular body of opponent’s movement. For statistic analysis, data was analyzed through independent T-test measure. Moreover, Paired t-test were used as follow-up analysis. Results The results of the study were as follows: In terms of accuracy anticipation, the main effect of expertise was significantly different. Specifically, when the spatial occlusion technique was applied in head, left leg, arm, and a foil, the accuracy of anticipation was significantly different. Moreover, comparing with no-occlusion condition, anticipation accuracy decreased when spatial occlusion technique was applied in arm and foil. In terms of confidence, there was no significant difference between level of expertise. Conclusions In order to effectively anticipate the opponent’s movement in fencing sports, it is necessary to focus on the visual cues of arm/shoulder, and the foil. Especially, focusing on the foil movement might provide the core informations on anticipation ability.