Construction of Accuracy Speed Agility and Quickness Training Program to Improve Fencing Performance in Young Fencers

Yu Guo
Thailand
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4716-8525
Nopporn Tasnaina
Thailand
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6086-0657
Chanchai Siriphan
Thailand
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9981-655X
Keywords: ASAQ Training Program, Fencing Skills, Physical Fitness, Young Fencers
Published: Mar 12, 2025

Abstract

Background and Aims: Fencing is a complex sport that highly depends on technique and physical fitness, mainly through the interaction of abilities such as precision, speed, agility, and quick reaction, which significantly impact competitive performance. However, current training methods and approaches for youth fencers still face limitations, including insufficient emphasis on physical training, incomplete understanding of athletes' physical and mental development patterns, and a lack of innovative training methods. These limitations may adversely affect the long-term development of athletes. Therefore, this study aims to develop an ASAQ training program that integrates precision with speed, agility, and quick reaction (SAQ) training to enhance youth fencers' technical skills and physical fitness, thereby improving their competitive performance. Specific objectives include) To conduct an experimental study on the developed program and compare the effectiveness between the experimental group and the control group in terms of physical fitness and fencing skills.2) To compare the effectiveness of the ASAQ training program in improving specific performance aspects of athletes through data analysis, particularly in enhancing lunge accuracy, speed, and reaction times.


Methodology: The study sample consisted of 62 young athletes from the Guangzhou Fencing Team, including 35 males (56.45%) and 27 females (43.55%); based on the scores from basic fencing techniques and physical fitness tests, athletes were sequentially numbered from 1 to 62 in descending order of their scores. They were then divided into two groups using systematic sampling: then drawn into the experimental group (n=31) and the control group (n=31). Research tools consisted of the training program, validated at.95 (.60-1.00), an interview form, a physical fitness test, a fencing skill test, and a program evaluation questionnaire. The experiment was operated thrice a week, two hours a day, for eight weeks. The training was conducted thrice weekly, two hours per session, over eight weeks. Data were collected at the pre-test, mid-test, and post-test for fencing skills and at the pre-test and post-test for physical fitness. The experimental and control group’s fencing of skill data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc with LSD. Comparisons of physical fitness between the experimental and control groups at pre-test and post-test were made using independent t-tests.


Results ASAQ training significantly improves the basic skills of young fencers, particularly in precise target attack techniques, footwork speed, lunges, and quick responses during offense and defense. The experimental group outperformed the control group in three physical performance metrics: 15 meters Obstacle Sprint, Jump Ropes in One Minute, and Standing long jump. This showed that the ASAQ training improved speed, agility, coordination, balance, and lower body explosiveness, enhancing fencers' short-distance movement, quick directional changes, and explosive attacks during training and competitions.


Conclusion: The findings were as follows: 1) ASAQ could significantly improve the accuracy of target-hitting attack techniques, fencing footwork speed, lunges, and quick reactions during offense and defense of young fencers. It also showed significant improvements in physical qualities such as speed, agility, coordination balance, quick reactions, and lower limb explosive power. 2) The experimental group's post-test was significantly higher than the control group's at.05 on physical fitness and fencing skills. 3) The final interview of experts unanimously affirmed the ASAQ training method's effectiveness in enhancing young fencers' competitive performance. It recognized the practical value of the ASAQ training method. Future studies could integrate objective data such as physiological and biochemical indicators and athletic performance, utilizing scientific tools and equipment like GPS sports tracking systems and other wearable devices for training monitoring to enhance the accuracy of the results.

Article Details

How to Cite

Guo , Y., Tasnaina, N. ., & Siriphan, C. . (2025). Construction of Accuracy Speed Agility and Quickness Training Program to Improve Fencing Performance in Young Fencers. International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews, 5(2), 399–414. https://doi.org/10.60027/ijsasr.2025.5644

Section

Articles

References

Abdel Khaleq, I. (1992). Sports training theories, applications. Dar Al-Maaref.

Agosti, V., & Autuori, M. (2020). Fencing functional training system (FITS): A new pedagogical-educational training project. Sport Science, 13 (1), 118-122.

Al Fattah, M. T., Amahoru, N. M., & Mahyuddin, R. (2023). Pengaruh latihan bola gantung terhadap akurasi tusukan atlet anggar senjata epee di SMK Negeri 1 Makassar. Bajra: Jurnal Keolahragaan, 2 (1), 9-14.

Amr, S. H. (2012). Effect of functional exercises on the major elements in blood and agility reaction and the level of performance of composite skills in the origin of fencing. Scientific Production. Journal of the Faculty of Physical Education for Girls (Science and Arts), Alexandria University.

Amr, S. H., Naglaa, E., & Badia, A. (2017). SAQ exercise. Dar El Fekr Elaraby.

Arivazhagan, R. (2022). Impacts of complex with SAQ training on cardiorespiratory endurance and resting pulse rate among volleyball players. EPRA International Journal of Research & Development, 7 (4),194-197. https://doi.org/10.36713/epra2016

Barth, B., & Beck, E. (Eds.). (2006). The complete guide to fencing. Meyer & Meyer Verlag.

Bloomfield, J., Polman, R., O'Donoghue, P., & McNaughton, L. R. (2007). Effective speed and agility conditioning methodology for random intermittent dynamic type sports. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21 (4), 1093-1100.

Briskin, Y., Pityn, M., Zadorozhna, O., Semeryak, Z., & Sydorko, O. (2014). Technical devices of improvement in the technical, tactical, and theoretical training of fencers. Journal of Physical Education and Sport (JPES), 14(3), 337 – 341. DOI:10.7752/jpes.2014.03051

Dhapola, M. S. (2017). Effect of SAQ training on agility and endurance between cricket players. International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education, 2 (2), 434-436.

França, E. F., Antunes, A., Da Silva, A. C., Guerra, M. L. M., Cossote, D. F., & Bonfim, J. C. O. (2022). Concepts and principles of sports training: A narrative review based on the classic literature of reference. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports Health, 9, 214-217.

Fransen, J., Pion, J., Vandendriessche, J., Vandorpe, B., Vaeyens, R., Lenoir, M., & Philippaerts, R. M. (2012). Differences in physical fitness and gross motor coordination in boys aged 6-12 years specializing in one versus sampling more than one sport. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30 (4), 379-386. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.642808

Grosser, M., Bruggeman, P., & Zintl, F. (2000). Alto rendimiento deportivo. Martínez Roca.

Jeffreys, I. (2006). Motor learning—Applications for agility, Part 1. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 28 (5), 72–76.

Jürimäe, T., & Jürimäe, J. (2001). Growth, physical activity, and motor development in prepubertal children. CRC Press.

Kasper, K. (2019). Sports training principles. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 18 (4), 95-96.

Khonturaev, N. (2023). Physical qualities of athletes and the methodology of their development. Journal of Universal Science Research, 1 (6), 268-272.

Kumyaito, N., Yupapin, P., & Tamee, K. (2018). Planning a sports training program using adaptive particle swarm optimization with emphasis on physiological constraints. BMC Research Notes, 11 (1), 1-6.

Latip, P., & Isyani, I. (2020). Pengaruh latihan SAQ terhadap kecepatan dan kelincahan pada siswa ekstrakurikuler futsal SMKN 2 Selong tahun pelajaran 2019/2020. Sportive: Journal of Physical Education, Sport and Recreation, 4 (1), 66. DOI:10.26858/sportive.v4i1.17180

Lloyd, R. S., Oliver, J. L., Faigenbaum, A. D., Howard, R., De Ste Croix, M. B., Williams, C. A.,... & Myer, G. D. (2015). Long-term athletic development—Part 1: A pathway for all youth. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29 (5), 1439-1450.

Magyar, P., & Oravițan, M. (2021). Effective training interventions for the development of speed in fencing: A systematic review. Discobolul-Physical Education, Sport & Kinetotherapy Journal, 60(4), 465–474. https://doi.org/10.35189/dpeskj.2021.60.4.9

McMorris, T. (2014). Acquisition and performance of sports skills. John Wiley & Sons.

Milanović, Z., Sporiš, G., Trajković, N., James, N., & Šamija, K. (2013). Effects of a 12-week SAQ training program on agility with and without the ball among young soccer players. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 12(1), 97-103.

Mohamed, S. A., & Larson, A. (2018). Effect of SAQ training on certain physical variables and performance level for saber fencers. Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education & Sport/Science, Movement & Health, 18 (1), 46-51.

Mylsidayu, A., & Kurniawan, F. (2015). Ilmu Kepelatihan Dasar. Alfabeta.

Nesen, O., & Klimenchenko, V. (2022). Indicators of speed and strength abilities of young fencers 12-13 years old. Pedagogy of Health. 2022;1(1):23-8. https://doi.org/10.15561/health.2022.0104

Roi, G. S., & Bianchedi, D. (2008). The science of fencing: Implications for performance and injury prevention. Sports Medicine, 38 (6), 465-481. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200838060-00003

Salah al-Din, Abdullah. (1980). Modern fencing. National Library, Baghdad University Press.

Sorel, A., Plantard, P., Bideau, N., & Pontonnier, C. (2019). Studying fencing lunge accuracy and response time in uncertain conditions with an innovative simulator. PLoS ONE, 14 (7), e0218959. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218959

Surawan, S., Harmono, S., & Pratama, B. A. (2022). The influence of speed, agility, quickness (SAQ) exercise on agility and speed. COMPETITOR: Jurnal Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga, 14 (3), 433-448.

Tsolakis, C., & Vagenas, G. (2010). Anthropometric, physiological and performance characteristics of elite and sub-elite fencers. Journal of Human Kinetics, 23, 89-95.

Wang, Q. B., Li, W. R., & Zhao, G. (2007). Analysis of fencing-specific physical fitness. Liaoning Sports Science and Technology, 29 (2), 69–70.

Wang, Y., & Wang, H. (2013). Study on the winning factors in fencing. Journal of Beijing Sport University, 9, 125-128.

Williams, L. R., & Walmsley, A. (2000). Response timing and muscular coordination in fencing: A comparison of elite and novice fencers. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 3 (4), 460-475.

Young, W., & Farrow, D. (2006). A review of agility: Practical applications for strength and conditioning. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 28 (5), 24–29.