Mental Training and Fencing
Performance
Winning is 90% mental and 10%
physical just as training is 90% physical and 10% mental'
(Dick Jockums, 1908).
This is the first in a series of
articles about techniques to help fencing performance and
examines self - talk and imagery training.
Historically, physical practice has
been the predominant method of improving athletic
performance, although the benefits of mental training
have been recognised for some thirty years. Within the
last decade researchers have confirmed the value of
mental practice and its part in effective coaching is
well documented.
Fencing movements are more
comprehensive and differentiated than those of many other
sports. One difference is the asymmetrical and phase-delayed
movements of hand and foot. Smooth hand- foot co-ordination
is difficult to teach because it is very different from
natural movements. To help the learning process, coaches
give verbal orders relating to hand and foot movements;
fencers can continue to learn and improve movements by
giving themselves the orders using the self - talk
method. Language can communicate wishes to the brain and
appropriately structured language can dramatically affect
body actions. Self - talk is an important element both
learning a new skill and in determining what should be
done and how to attempt it. This method can be used by
experienced fencers when learning new move combinations
or memorising the required rhythm for the movements.
Self - talk is particularly helpful
where lack of confidence in competition causes
unexpectedly poor performance. Calm internal dialogue
relating to a detailed commentary on performance can re-focus
the mind and build self confidence. By contrast, self -
talk in an angry, self- effacing manner is not
constructive and can further undermine self confidence
and make concentration more difficult. Self - talk can
also help during the warm-up to get into the right frame
of mind.
Experienced fencers can enhance their
performance by imagery training, looking at themselves
from outside performing with perfect technique and full
commitment. Seeing themselves winning boosts self-esteem,
helps them practice longer and harder and makes them feel
more confident. Self -criticism plays an important part
in this process, ensuring that the view is realistic and
relatively close to a fencer's capability.
Just as important as visual imagery is kinaesthetic
imagery, where the fencers not only see, but also
feel physical contact with their opponents. Sensing
changes of distance and movement, how a weapon handles,
the weight and movement of the blade, as well as seeing
the action in the mind's eye before the movement is
carried out help the fencer to deliver the movement with
greater precision.
An important part of this training is
in correcting poor technique or tactics. Having
identified the fault, the fencer can by repeatedly
executing the action correctly in his mind - both
'seeing' and 'feeling' it, can improve his execution of
the move. This kind of training requires vivid recall
with all the senses, but it can be highly beneficial.
Such recall can be improved through simple exercises,
such as trying to repeat a few lines of television
dialogue, trying to list all the shops you pass on a
regular journey, etc.
The next time you see a fencer
wandering around the hall, mumbling to himself and
fencing his pretend opponent remember he's not mad, he's
just improving his chances of beating you.
There will be more about mental
training in future issues.
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