A Comparative Study On Characteristics Of Skills And Tactics Of Distinguished Chinese Female Epee Fencers Using French Grip And Pistol Grip

Based on athletic training practice as well as the technical characteristics and competition characteristics of epee event, the study establishes specific indicators accordingly and analyzes the characteristics of skills and tactics of distinguished Chinese female epee fencers using French grip and pistol grip, and thus provides valuable insights for the development of Chinese female epee fencing. During the process of the study, the author employed a combination of methods and approaches, including referring to literature, watching video tapes, interviewing experts, using mathematical statistics and conducting comparative analysis, among others. The study resulted in the following conclusions:1. With the current trend of female epee fencing being more offensive actions than defensive actions, Chinese female epee fencers are mainly resorting to attack during application of basic skills to get scored. Fencers using French grip mainly take counter-attack as the secondary method to get scored while those with pistol grip use defense. In their choice of the forms of attack, fencers using pistol grip tend to have contact with the weapon, while those with French grip tend to not.2. Compared to fencers using pistol grip, fencers using French grip use defense and riposte less often and less successfully. When faced with the attack by their opponent, fencers using French grip tend to use the skills of counter attack. When faced with the attack by their opponent, fencers using pistol grip tend to rely on defense with weapon while they use riposte less often.3. In terms of varying points of hit, both fencers using French grip and pistol grip target at the torso which is the largest valid area. Apart from that, fencers using French grip are more flexible with varying points of hit. Among other things, they have more successful low line hits and less successful high line hits, compared to fencers using pistol grip.4. In terms of choice of engagement, fencers using French grip tend to favor the middle to back area that is to the left of the midcourt line. Fencers using pistol grip mainly favor the middle to back area that is to the right of the midcourt line.5. Medium distance and close distance are mostly used in the skills and tactics of Chinese female epee fencers with pistol grip, while medium distance and long distance are used in the skills and tactics of those with French grip.6. During the application of tactics, fencers using pistol grip tend to take proactive tactics with the weapons, while fencers using French grip are more apt to take reactive tactics with controlled footwork.