Helping Your Child Improve in Fencing: A Parent’s Guide

Fencing is a sport unlike any other—it combines the speed of athletics, the precision of martial arts, and the strategy of chess. For kids and teens, it’s an incredible way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience. As parents, you play a huge role in helping your child get the most out of their fencing journey.

At BHFC, we’ve seen first-hand how much progress young athletes can make when their families understand what goes into improvement. Growth in fencing happens through a balance of technical training, physical fitness, and mental development—and parents can support each of these areas in simple, practical ways. Work with your child’s coach to ensure they get the necessary training and guidance. Whether it is in the group class, private lesson, or camp. Sometimes the coach may advise the fencer to work on strength or fitness at home when they’re not at the club - maybe a jump rope routine, wind sprints, burpees, or ladder drills.

1. Technical Skills: Building the Foundation

Fencing success starts with strong basics.

• Footwork: Every fencer needs quick, reliable footwork. Even a few minutes of advance/retreat or lunges at home can strengthen their foundation.

• Blade Work: Encourage your child to practice parries (blocks), ripostes (counterattacks), and simple attacks. These become second nature with repetition, and they’ll feel proud to show you their progress.

• Distance Awareness: Learning how close or far to stand from an opponent is a subtle but crucial skill. With regular practice bouts in class, kids begin to develop a natural “sense of distance.”

• Watch and Learn: Sitting down together to watch a fencing match (Olympic bouts are easy to find online) is a fun way to reinforce what they’re learning. Kids love pointing out moves they recognize!

Parent Tip: Improvement comes from consistency. Showing up to regular practices and staying engaged through camps, clinics, or private lessons keeps skills sharp and growing.

2. Physical Fitness: Building Strong, Quick, and Balanced Athletes

While fencing may look like it’s all about the blade, athleticism plays a huge role. Young fencers don’t need professional-level training, but basic fitness habits go a long way.

• Strength: Squats, lunges, and push-ups build power for lunges and quick retreats.

• Agility & Plyometrics: Fun drills like jump rope, box jumps, or side-to-side hops help develop explosive movement—something every fencer needs.

• Balance: Practicing yoga poses or standing on one leg improves stability during fast exchanges on the strip.

Parent Tip: Encourage your child to stay active outside of fencing too. Sports like soccer, basketball, or swimming naturally build endurance and coordination that carry over into fencing.

3. The Mental Game: Confidence and Focus

Fencing is just as much mental as it is physical. Supporting your child’s mindset is one of the best ways you can help.

• Visualization: Have them picture themselves landing a touch or executing a move successfully—this mental rehearsal builds confidence.

• Managing Nerves: It’s normal for kids to feel pressure before a bout. Remind them to take one touch at a time and focus on their effort, not just the outcome.

• Tracking Progress: A small fencing journal where they jot down what they learned after practice or at a tournament helps them see how far they’ve come.

Parent Tip: Celebrate effort and learning as much as results. When kids feel supported for trying, they gain confidence that lasts far beyond fencing.

Final Thoughts

Fencing is more than just a sport—it’s a journey of growth, discipline, and fun. With your support, your child can thrive both on and off the strip. By encouraging consistent practice, keeping them active, and helping them manage the mental side of competition, you’ll set them up for success.

At BHFC, we believe fencing should be challenging but also enjoyable. When kids look forward to practice, they learn faster, push harder, and stay motivated. With the right mix of skills, fitness, and mindset, every young fencer has the chance to unlock their full potential.

Parent CTA: If you’d like to support your child’s growth even more, talk with their coach about private lessons, seasonal camps, or specialized clinics. These opportunities can give them the extra confidence and skills they need to take their fencing to the next level.