The relationship between the results of explosive strength tests for the lower limbs and the speed of lunging toward the opponent among Al-Nisour University students in fencing

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the relationship between the results of explosive power tests for the lower limbs and the speed of lunging toward the opponent among Al-Nusoor University students who practice fencing, due to the decisive role these two physical traits play in the efficiency of offensive performance, especially the fleche attack and the front lunge, which rely heavily on the ability to produce high muscular force in a short time while achieving appropriate translational speed toward the opponent (Ibrahim, Nabil, 1998, p. 69). Fencing relies on a combination of physical, technical, and tactical abilities; however, the nature of its skill performance makes lower-limb explosive power and lunge speed among the most important basic physical requirements for achieving competitive superiority (Hassanin, Mohamed Sobhi, 2001, p. 395).

The researcher used the descriptive method in its correlational form because it was appropriate to the nature of the research problem. The sample included third-year students in the College of Physical Education at Al-Nusoor University who practice fencing during the specified academic year. Lower-limb explosive power was measured using the standing vertical jump test and the standing long jump test, as they are among the most common and accurate tests for estimating this physical trait in athletes (Hassanin, Mohamed Sobhi, 2001, p. 210, muscular ability is measured through the vertical jump test, 2025, p. 1). Lunge speed toward the opponent was also measured through a timed test over a specified distance that simulates the lunge distance in fencing, using a precise digital stopwatch.

The statistical treatments include the use of the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to verify the significance of the relationship between the studied variables. It is expected that the results of this research will contribute to enriching scientific knowledge in the field of fencing and provide coaches and physical education professors with a scientific basis that helps direct training programs toward developing the explosive strength of the lower limbs, serving to improve lunge speed and the skill performance of young fencers (Hanna, Sara Jameel, 2015, p. 183).