American Development Model

Ages: 4-7*

An athlete has decided to try the wonderful sport of fencing. The initial exposure should focus on fun, engagement, physical literacy and basics of learning to learn.

• Fun and engaging environment
• Games and drills to teach ABCs - agility, balance, coordination - and functional movement
• Introduction to basics of the sport - equipment, safety

*Note that the age ranges are a general guideline and by no means a primary factor to determine when an athlete should progress to the next stage. Progression will be dependent, in part, on goals, commitment and the age at which athletes are introduced to fencing.

Ages: 6-12*

After the initial exposure, the athlete wants to continue in the sport. The next stage of development in fencing should focus on fun, engagement, exploration, physical literacy and athletic base, encouraging multi-sport involvement and fostering a desire to continue to play and improve.

• Develop physical literacy; Teach ABCs – agility, balance, coordination, speed
• Multisport, multi-activity focus
• Fun, engaging play
• More fencing-related games and drills to teach fencing movements and skills
• Inclusion - anyone at any age can and should be encouraged to participate

*Note that the age ranges are a general guideline and by no means a primary factor to determine when an athlete should progress to the next stage. Progression will be dependent, in part, on goals, commitment and the age at which athletes are introduced to fencing.

Ages: 11-16*

Athlete training evolves into more emphasis on fencing-specific tactics, technique and training, but still a continued focus on ABCs (agility, balance, coordination, speed), multisport involvement, exploration and fun; teamwork and sportsmanship are also emphasized.

• More sport-specific training
• Introduce fencing-specific tactics, training and technique
• Develop consistent training habits
• Focus on fine motor skills
• Teamwork - supporting and pushing one another, better together
• Multisport engagement encouraged
• Limited, intentional competition for the purpose of learning and growth, not outcome

*Note that the age ranges are a general guideline and by no means a primary factor to determine when an athlete should progress to the next stage. Progression will be dependent, in part, on goals, commitment and the age at which athletes are introduced to fencing.

Ages: 14-19+*

The athlete enjoys fencing and wants to continue to develop and improve, athlete-driven desire for the challenge of competition, more individualized coaching, greater commitment to fencing, focus on competition as an opportunity to learn and improve.

• Learn advanced tactics and techniques
• Fencing-specific training
• Needs to be fun, challenging and engaging
• Individualized coaching
• Continued focus on teamwork and sportsmanship
• Growth through competition
• Sport specialization for some

*Note that the age ranges are a general guideline and by no means a primary factor to determine when an athlete should progress to the next stage. Progression will be dependent, in part, on goals, commitment and the age at which athletes are introduced to fencing.

Ages: 16+*

For some fencers, the pursuit of excellence is the focus; there is a willingness and desire to commit time, effort and energy to achieve results. For others, fun, engagement, social aspects and continued improvement is the focus.

• For some, the goals are a pursuit of excellence and a commitment to maximizing talent
• For others, the focus is on continual improvement and growth socially, physically and mentally
• Understand the motivations of each athlete and adjust training accordingly

*Note that the age ranges are a general guideline and by no means a primary factor to determine when an athlete should progress to the next stage. Progression will be dependent, in part, on goals, commitment and the age at which athletes are introduced to fencing.

Ages: 16+*

The athlete is “hooked.” Fencing is a lifelong endeavor and the individual may take on many roles within the sport. Older teens and adults who love the sport and want to continue as recreational fencers or competitive fencers may also get involved in other roles within the sport.

• Fencing is part of an active lifestyle
• Enjoy the sport and the social aspects of engagement
• Desire to challenge oneself
• Focus on technical training for continued development
• Engagement with the organization as a volunteer, official, coach or mentor

*Note that the age ranges are a general guideline and by no means a primary factor to determine when an athlete should progress to the next stage. Progression will be dependent, in part, on goals, commitment and the age at which athletes are introduced to fencing.