VMP – 4 Distance Drills

Controlling distance is a key factor in fencing and there is no better way to develop this critical skill then training with an opponent under the watchful eye of your fencing coach. So what can you do to work on your distance skills from home with no partner? Glad you asked!

In this lesson we’ll look at some distance drills you can do solo and Coach Simon demonstrates a drill you can do with a volunteer non-fencer (played quite convincingly by Coach Mark!)

But first a few words about resources. There are a lot of helpful fencing videos out on Youtube many are available for free or for a modest donation. Of course, there are some videos that you would be better off skipping over or discussing with your coach before attempting to follow. We will help guide you through the resources available and put these in a context that can help you in your home training.

The video below presented by Coach Tyler Kvols-Rieder of Fencer’s Edge demonstrates drills that simply require a little space and a roll of tape. As always, be sure to warm up before doing any physically demanding activities and to cool down afterwards.

Also, take your time and work on maintaining good form.

In the next video we show you how to resolve the “solo” problem. Hope you enjoy!

Extra Credit Assignment: Think of what other drills you can do – safely -to improve your skills working with a non-fencer (response time, hand-eye coordination…) and share via a posting.