I've got a big tournament this weekend... any advice?

Remain calm,set your priorities,go over what you have to do,remain focused and KSA! Good luck :))

What kind of tournament? Sounds like something athletic (as opposed to, say, bridge or Magic or a technology challenge). Your particular competitive arena might help people with pertinent experience to know what to tell you.

Ah, my bad. It’s a fencing tournament.

Think happy thoughts… don’t let the competition get the best of you… Most importantly, Have Fun!!!

Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Al5KBdOpU

P.S.
The part at the end with the dagger would probably be bad form in your tournament.

Wear a superman cape; that’ll help.

I like @thriftymaid‘s idea :) Also, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7zvffHu_wo
...and consider beginning with your left hand, or maybe wearing a mask, just to throw everyone off!

Sweet! I was a foil fencer in college until I broke my arm. I was out for a year and then never got back into it. What is your weapon?

Yes! For God’s sake, be a good caddy and keep Tiger away from the women!

Don’t be on the defensive. If you have any fear of your foes, don’t show it Have an arrogant / superior stance if you are the underdog. Also overly complimenting them can work wonders too :-) GL m8

Lightly touch your index finger to the palm part at the base of your thumb and touch the tip of your thumb to your middle finger and ring finger…close your eyes and slowly inhale…the effect should be immediate. Now go win your tounament!

@Rarebear I’m also a foil fencer! Although I’m competing in epee too.

Just joined Fluther yesterday so the advice is a bit late, but in general:

Take every opportunity to watch your opponents fence in other bouts before you meet them on the strip.

Take notes after every pool bout on how each particular opponent scored touches against you and how you scored touches against them. Use what you learned in the pools to your advantage in the DEs and keep this information over time because chances are you will be seeing them again at another tournament and you can rest assured that they have been watching you as well and the next time you meet them it is likely that they have been working on the exact skill they need to beat you.

Physical conditioning is important, but never forget that fencing is as tactical as it is athletic. Learn the tactical wheel and use it!

What weapon?

What part of the country are you in? My son, along with several others from our club, will be fencing in the RYC in Houston this weekend. Perhaps I’ll see you there.

@YoBob Thank you and welcome to Fluther! I fence foil in Ohio.

@toomuchcoffee911

Hope to see you at Nationals in Atlanta… :)

Hopefully I’ll be able to make it, I really want to but I may have prior commitments. :(

Which weapon does your son fence?

I have two sons. Both fence foil, epee and sabre, although they might just stick to foil and epee depending on the timing of the events.

One will be fencing Y10 and possibly Y12

The other will be fencing Y12 and possibly Y14

As for me, as long as I am there I might fence veterans 40 sabre myself but haven’t decided yet.

That’s cool; you should definitely fence! Have you done it for long?

I have been fencing now for almost 15 years. However, the last 5 or so I have been more of a assistant coach/armorer rather than being serious about competing.

Good luck with the rest of the season!

Thank you!