Why fencers should bounce: A new method of movement to engage the stretch-shortening cycle

Abstract

While teaching a heel first contact style of footwork in fencing (also referred to as toe contribution avoidance) is in keeping with long-standing traditions, it is not conducive to today’s modern style of fast paced and explosive fencing. Equally, fencers towards the elite-end seem to be gradually adopting a more spring-based style, as their body progressively and organically transitions to “ball of the foot” based footwork, in order for them to fence competitively in the manner they have intuitively associated with success. Therefore, if from a young age fencers are taught to make full use of the stretch-shortening cycle via “bouncing” or simply by initiating movement via the ball of the foot, this will expedite the learning process. It will demonstrate to them how the stretch-shortening cycle can be used to move at greater speed, cover greater distances when advancing, retreating and lunging, and conserve the much-needed energy required to compete over daylong competitions. This paper details the mechanistic underpinnings of the stretch-shortening cycle and its application to the modern day fencer.