Accompanying the series of practice exercises, here are some comments on the aims and use of the exercises. Any further comment would be welcome.
The reason for timing this exercise is well explained on the website - there is a tendency to rush through the exercise if it is a specific distance down the piste, which reduces the quality of the footwork.
The combinations given can only be correctly performed is balance is maintained. Any drift of movement will be easily indicated. The exercise also reinforced the need to combine actions into an attack, rather than to think of each technique learnt in isolation.
An extension of the previous exercise, but introducing a change of direction. The various combinations cover differing distance and timing of attack, as well varying the exposure of the fencer to counter attack. Additional variations could include additional footwork ( e.g. appel, flèche), change of timing and variation of distance (e.g. small steps.)
This exercise is trying to inculcate spacial awareness of the covered position into the fencer, and also improve observation skills, to seek to exploit an opening in the opponent. There is a tendency for the guard poistion to drift inwards as the blade is moved between positions, and the combination of footwork and bladework should increase the load on the fencer.
This is more of a tactical exercise than a footwork exercise, as it is unlikely anyone would roll all the dice. The aim is to increase variety in the footwork practice of the fencer, and hence vary their attacks.
A mechanical exercise to the embed the 'unnatural' fencing step. Long series of steps in any one direction should not be used, as they would not occur in a fight situation. Drift will occur and can be corrected. The variations reduce the tedium, and by increasing the load are more likely to force errors.
An observational exercise - analysing a potential opponent, which should translate into a better application of tactics. At lower levels, the computer's faults include: being too static, incorrect distance and slow response to a threat. These can be exploited by creating attacks from combinations of moves (e.g. a step-lunge is faster than step followed by lunge); extending as the fencer comes into distance (as the blades cross) and retreating to increase distance from the computer opponent to allow for an larger reaction time. The application of these techniques should be self-explanitory.
There are many areas which can be altered within an individual attack, and thinking about these should help to add variety to the fencer's game. More detail on some possibilities can be found in an additional commentary.
When running a beginner's course, it is necessary to simplify instructions in order not to overload the total novice. Since fencing is an open skill sport, few of these "rules" apply under all circumstances and comprehending the reasons behind the simplification and considering exceptions should add variety and understanding to the game
