- Fencer in gearBart Sadowski/Photodisc/Getty Images
Fencing is about accuracy, form and speed. While these skills must be cultivated separately, the ultimate goal is to combine them into one fluid process. The fencer should ingrain the basics of on-guard position, striking and retrieval before moving on to more advanced concepts or sparring. Complete basic drills with simple tools, such as noise-making targets and a mirror. - This drill, from "Fencing: Steps to Success" by Elaine Cheris, can be used for a long period of time, as the fencer adapts it to make it progressively more difficult. At first, the target should be a relatively large bell, piece of sheet metal or another object that will make a noise when hit. This target should be attached to the wall at the fencer's eye level. To perform the drill, take the on-guard position at arm-extension distance from the target. Hold the weapon point, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and leading foot in a perfect vertical line. Move toward the target to strike, keeping your chin and eyes up. Extend the arm and strike the target. Attempt to strike it accurately and with more speed each time. After each strike, return to the on-guard position. Once the fencer becomes more accurate, she should attempt to strike the target repeatedly at a faster pace for several repetitions. To track progress, keep record of how many times the fencer hits the target in each set and attempt to increase that number over time. The fencer must make sure the weapon bends slightly on each hit, but not so much that it creates a complete arc.
- Place a mirror against a wall facing the fencer. Assume the on-guard position, and practice striking with perfect weapon point, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and front foot alignment. After striking, your forearm should be hidden by the bell guard of your weapon. Repeat this several times to memorize the position. Close your eyes now, bring your weapon point to the floor and raise it to perfect on-guard position without looking. Once you are in on-guard position, open your eyes again and check your alignment. When the fencer can achieve perfect position with his eyes closed, he has achieved a solid base from which to build upon with all other movements.
- This drill will help the fencer learn to thrust in one fluid movement without shifting any other part of her body. Place a large target at the fencer's eye level on the wall, such as a piece of computer paper. The fencer should sit into a deep on-guard position with his knees bent. Relax the shoulders down, accelerate and press the point to the target. Do not twist the hips or torso or move any other part of the body to hit the target. Perform this drill with 10 consecutive hits. The weapon should bend slightly once the point is pressed to the target. To test accuracy, make the target smaller. You can also make the target soft and malleable to track the accuracy of your hits. Foam, putty and similar materials will show you where the hit landed each time.
