Fencing exercises – Command exercises

Although exercises occupy an important place in the training of fencers, both recreational and competitive athletes, choosing the correct type of exercise for a specific need is important. Not all exercises are appropriate or effective at all stages of training. An example of this is the command exercise.

As the name suggests, a command drill is one in which the shooters’ actions are controlled by orders from the coach. A typical command exercise is used to teach a new skill during a group lesson. The process requires the coach to come up with a logical plan. Progression of assembling a skill as the basis of the exercise:

(1) The coach breaks down the skill to be taught into each part that requires a different action from the fencer.

(2) The trainer demonstrates the skill, pointing to each of the parts.

(3) The coach then gives commands for each shooter to execute the parts in sequential order. This can be by numbers (“one”, “two”, “three”, etc.) or by the name of the action (“partially extend”, lower tip”, raise tip on other side of blade”, complete extension”, etc.).

(4) As shooters develop acceptable proficiency in the more detailed sequence, the coach assembles various parts of the skill, reducing the number of commands further and further. Eventually, the progression is fully assembled in a minimal number of commands.

For example, the command progression in teaching a direct push-disengage feint might be:

First sequence:

… partially extend into a feint

… lower the point

… lift the tip of the other side of the blade

… complete the extension

… lunge

… retrieve

Second sequence:

… feigned

… log off

… lunge

… retrieve

Third sequence:

…attack

… retrieve

Fourth sequence:

…attack

Although this example is one-sided, since only the initiator has specific commands, both the initiating fencer and the responding fencer can receive tasks, commands, and keep a close eye on students who are not executing the correct sequence.

The command exercise has advantages. It accurately mirrors the components that have been shown to the fencers when the skill is demonstrated, and helps eliminate confusion when executing the skill. Especially for beginning students, it develops the skill in small chunks that the fencer can easily understand. For the coach, it provides a highly structured lesson with a greater chance that students will be able to mechanically execute the skill.

However, there are downsides. Complicated actions with both shooters participating simply end up with too many commands to use easily. Although the rotation at the end of each sequence works, if both shooters are expected to play active roles, the rotation should be restricted to the same side of the drill. Asking a fencer to switch to a new set of commands or meanings for commands invites confusion. Finally, because this is a very structured exercise, it does not develop the student’s autonomy, mobility, timing, or tactical judgment. This means that the command drill is probably more effective in teaching good technical execution of a skill to beginners or new intermediates.

The command drill was a staple of instruction for classical fencers, and for those teaching in a classical context or primarily teaching beginners, it remains a useful tool for skill introduction or correction, and only briefly.