Back to Basics

This week I helped coach a beginner's session for eight young people. It was quite a refreshing experience to work with people who had never fenced before and it reminded me again how important it is to get the basics right. There was no need to worry about elaborate tactics, it was enough just to get them leading with the hand and keeping the back foot flat on the floor. Sometimes it is a good thing just to put the complicated stuff away and remind yourself of what's fundamental; both in sport and in life!
It made me realise that a fencer can spend a long time with their opponent as their focal point, wondering why they are not winning whilst not actually recognising that they themselves are perhaps the actual problem. It can be not concentrating on distance or failing to realise that you aren't balanced in your lunge that can make the difference in your technique. So bear this in mind when next you are struggling. Is it them or is it you?