The Effect of Competitive Training on Certain Physical Abilities and the Accuracy and Speed of Thrusting with the Épée among Fencing Athletes

Abstract

The importance of competition training in fencing is clearly evident as a fundamental factor that a player must possess. Additionally, the fencing rules favor the player who is faster in registering the touch, which is a decisive basic rule among the international regulations for the foil weapon. This highlights the utmost importance of motor speed, precision, and the influence of other physical factors on the performance of the fencer.

The research problem emerged from the researcher's experience as a fencing instructor and observer of Iraqi university and school tournaments. It was noted that physical, motor, and technical precision training were not provided in a manner commensurate with the training load during the competition period. Therefore, competition situations and periods play a crucial and positive role in the training process and in raising the performance level. The conditions during the competition period offer athletes opportunities to encounter different situations, and in this period, the accumulated experience and skills achieved through the training curriculum can be observed.

The research aims to identify the impact of competition training on some physical abilities, as well as on the accuracy and speed of thrusting in foil fencing for the research sample. The researcher used the experimental method with a single experimental group appropriate to the nature of the study. The research sample consisted of eight players from the Thi Qar Education Team in fencing, selected intentionally to implement the study and achieve its objectives. Research conclusions indicated that competition training contributed directly to the development of physical abilities as well as the accuracy and speed of thrusting with the foil weapon in fencing. The researcher recommended the necessity of widely using competition in an interval training method (low intensity – moderate intensity) to develop physical abilities and improve the accuracy and speed of thrusting.