| The time between the referee calling "halt" and | | | | Third - what is my next tactic? How will I score |
| the command to "fence" is critical to whether you | | | | the next touch? And what is my safe action if |
| win or lose the fencing bout. You can spend it | | | | the opponent counters my plan? Make a quick |
| mentally wandering or you can use it to scream | | | | decision based on the first two steps. And once |
| (whether or not you scored the touch), or you | | | | you have made that decision, mentally commit to |
| can make the time a productive part of your | | | | it so that your actions will be mentally |
| game. | | | | programmed, strong, and intentional. |
| The time is short. Studying video of world level | | | | Fourth - clear the mind and steady yourself. The |
| competition suggests that, with an elite level | | | | last touch is the last touch. You cannot retrieve it. |
| referee, it averages in the range of from 8 to 15 | | | | The past errors are past errors. You do not want |
| seconds. Obviously equipment problems, the | | | | to repeat them. Gloating about how good your |
| referee's need to review video (at international | | | | last hit was gives the opponent time to |
| events), or a less expert referee lengthens that | | | | understand your tactics. Worrying about what |
| time. But in reality you have all the time in the | | | | was only ensures that what will be will be |
| world to do five critical things. | | | | unsatisfying. Clear all the psychological baggage |
| First - what just happened? Replay the action | | | | away, and make a positive affirmation that you |
| quickly in your mind and identify the actions that | | | | will score the next touch. |
| you used and that your opponent used. Check | | | | Fifth - sit down on guard with your tactic in mind |
| your interpretation with the way the referee calls | | | | and ready to execute. |
| the action if you are fencing foil or sabre. Epee | | | | This is a simple problem solving approach that will |
| fencers do not have the luxury of referee | | | | help you score the next touch. Will it work every |
| interpretation. | | | | time? No. But fencing is a sport of numbers. If it |
| Second - what does that mean for my tactical | | | | helps you score one or two more touches in the |
| plan for the bout? You should enter every bout | | | | pool round of a large event, those one or two |
| with a tactical plan. Each phrase, and definitely | | | | touches may make a real difference in where |
| each hit, provides you information that can be | | | | you fit in the direct elimination table. Over time, as |
| used to modify your plan to account for your | | | | you get better at using the "halt" to "fence" |
| fencing and for your opponent's actions. Do a | | | | break, you will score more touches and win more |
| quick analysis. Do you need to change your plan, | | | | bouts. |
| or are you on track? | | | | |