2009, Volume 5
Structure and conditions of “weapon feeling” in high level athletes specializing in differents kinds of fencing
Włodzimierz Starosta1, Karolina Szymanek1, Tadeusz Rynkiewicz1
1University School of Physical Education in Poznań – Regional Department of Physical Culture in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland
Author for correspondence: Włodzimierz Starosta; University School of Physical Education in Poznań – Regional Department of Physical Culture in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland; email: wlodzimierz.starosta[at]insp.waw.pl
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: The aim of this study was: determining the term of “weapon feeling”, establishing the dependence between “weapon feeling” and precision of weapon movements, identifying the impact of the physical properties of the weapon on the level of “weapon feeling”, defining the training period in which the best “weapon feeling” may occur.
Material and Methods: 71 top Polish male and female athletes specialising in various forms of fencing took part in the study (9 female foil, 15 female épée, 19 male foil, 18 male épée and 10 sabre fencers). A questionnaire was composed of 26 questions related to personal data of the competitors as well as to the definition of the more efficient and precise hand or leg and to the definition of the structure of the conditions determining the ”feeling of the weapon”.
Results: It was ascertained that the “weapon feeling” is an ability of accurate handling of the tip of the blade, and of controlling its movement. It was confirmed that “weapon feeling” is primarily manifested in the ability of mastering the tip of the blade. It was also defined that “weapon feeling” was manifested in different ways, depending on the interpretation of the term by the given fencer. In most cases it was reflected in accurate handling of the tip of the weapon, quick and accurate response. Apart from the precision of movements with the weapon, its level of feeling is affected also by: the ability to concentrate, high level of technique, smoothness and rapidity of movements of the competitor as well as physical traits of the weapon. In the training cycle, starting period is characterised by the highest level of “weapon feeling”.
Conclusions: 1.”Weapon feeling” may be defined as the ability of accurate directing the end of the weapon, quick and adequate responding to the opponent’s movements, and smooth execution of movements with the weapon. 2. There is significant dependence between “weapon feeling” and precision of movements made with the weapon. Its level of feeling depends on: ability to concentrate, high technique level, smoothness and speed of the athlete’s movements. 3. Physical properties of the weapon, especially its modification affect to a large extent the change in the level of “weapon feeling”. 4. The highest level of “weapon feeling” in tested fencers was noted in the starting period, and the lowest one – in the preparatory and in the transitory periods.
Key words: cing, conditions, epee, foil, men, sable, women, „weapon feeling”