For most fencers, summer means downtime. The competitive season peaks at Nationals in June/July. This year in Dallas, over 3,500 fencers converged for the 2016 USA Fencing National Championship & July Challenge. After Summer Nationals, the pace of training & competing slows. Tournaments are fewer and farther between; coaches & fencers take time off, summer camps take over the club, things slow down.
Summer is a time to reflect on the past season and set goals for the new one. Did you miss qualifying for Nationals? Did you exit early? Will you be moving up to a new age bracket? Do you fence for fun and want to start competing? Why is that rating so elusive? The end of the season offers a chance to reflect on these questions and more.
What’s next? If you have have lofty goals for next season, now’s the time to lay the groundwork. Many fencers will take take the next few weeks (or months) off. If you’re OK with that, fine. Just remember your competition may not be taking the same break. While there might not be as many classes or tournaments, there are plenty of things you can focus on.
Cross-train – Summer’s a great time to spend on other sports that will help your fencing in the fall. Many places (including the Town of Cary) offer bootcamps early in the morning. Do you have access to a gym or weight room? If so, try hitting the weights 1 or 2 times a week. Focus on the core and lower body. You’re looking to gain the strength and endurance to keep that low en garde and move fluidly. What about yoga or a stretch program to increase flexibility and prevent injuries. Try trail running. There are area parks where you can run under the cooler tree canopy and find softer trails. If you choose to be outside, the heat can be dangerous, so please stay hydrated and monitor your body.- Footwork – You know why every class includes footwork? BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT. Seriously. Much of fencing depends on being at the right place at the right time. How many times have you heard from your coach, “keep moving, keep moving” or “finish the attack.” Yes, fencing is about putting your point on the target, but your legs are what gets you there. You can do footwork almost anywhere. Is the family visiting Washington DC? Get up early and practice on the mall. Going to beach? Practice your lunge on the pier. Closer to home, the driveway or sidewalk works fine. Do it for perfection, do it for conditioning, do it tactically, just do it!
- Private Lessons – Group classes and bouting might be limited in the summer, but that’s no reason to stop fencing. In fact, summer can be a great time to setup private lessons. Usually, your schedule (and the coach’s too) is more flexible then the regular season. Take one or two a week and really focus on the lesson.
Video – I get it. Sometimes, you just want to veg out. It’s hot and humid out, and the air-conditioning feels so good. Do you have videos from last season? Cue them up and analyze your own bouts. Congratulate yourself on your good points, and make notes on things to work on. YouTube is more than cat videos. The USA Fencing (www.youtube.com/user/USAFencing) and FIE (www.youtube.com/user/FIEvideo) YouTube channels have great national and international bouts. Watch high level athletes go at it. Watch fencers in your age group. Compare and contrast their styles. Observe the footwork; notice the bladework. How does it compare with your fencing experience?- Take Charge of You – Don’t wait for your coach or mom or dad to tell you what you need to do. You’ve been to class, you’ve taken lessons, you know the drills: footwork, bladework, ab-workouts, ladders, whatever. You know where you are and where you want to be, so just do it!
Are you willing to put in the work to reach your goals?