Optimization of students-fencers’ tactical training

Purpose. To work out and experimentally test the effectiveness of tactical training means and methods in the initial stages of student- fencers’ accelerated training. Methods. In the experiment 2nd year students from two academic groups at the university (n=50) participated. In their first year students undertook fencing training twice a week (2 hours per session). The first group (n=24) was an experimental group (EG), the second (n=26) the control (CG). At the beginning of the experiment the technical-tactic fitness of the students in both groups was approximately equal. The experiment lasted 7 months. All the students gave their written consent to participate in the experiment. Results. It was found that the exercises for distant manoeuvring, for non-defensive duels and for combat actions accelerate the formation of a personal combat style where the coach’s instructions are accurately carried out. They also motivate sportspeople to achieve the correct execution of techniques. It was also found that a fencer’s tactical thinking is formed and becomes a special combat skill where they are applied in relevant duel conditions. These requirements can be satisfied by athletes only after special training. We worked out exercises, which reflect almost the entire spectrum of tactical training for fencers. Conclusions. We have proposed a particular suite of fencing exercises to improve tactical thinking, and to expand the arsenal of combat actions as well as the circle of combat situations, preparatory actions, attacks and defences; behaviour in unexpected situations and sense of distance.