FEATURES OF SPECIALIZED PHYSICAL PREPARATION IN THE TRAINING SYSTEM OF EPÉE FENCERS AT THE STAGE OF SPECIALIZED BASIC TRAINING

Abstract

Modern sport is characterized by high competition and the continuous improvement of training processes to achieve maximum results. The effective organization of athletes’ physical preparation becomes a key factor in ensuring a high level of sports mastery. The high level of competition in international events requires coaches and athletes to use scientifically grounded approaches in the training process. Épée fencing belongs to complex coordination sports, which requires specialized physical preparation to develop speed-strength qualities, movement precision, and rapid tactical decision-making. This article examines the role of specialized physical preparation in the training system of épée fencers at the stage of specialized basic training. Based on a survey of 67 coaches and athletes, the significance of different types of training was identified, the optimal structure and content of specialized physical preparation in the annual macrocycle were determined, as well as the key physical qualities, the development of which affects competitive performance. The results showed that physical preparation has a leading role (96%) and should be combined with the improvement of technical-tactical actions. Respondents identified the key physical qualities as follows: explosive strength (46%), complex speed (56%), speed endurance (53%), special flexibility (68%), and the ability to control spatial movement parameters (26%). Variability was found in the assessments of the optimal ratio of types of physical preparation in the annual macrocycle, indicating the absence of a unified interpretation of the concepts of “general,” “auxiliary,” and “special” preparation. The conclusions confirm the necessity of an integrated approach and the priority development of specialized physical preparation at the stage of specialized basic training to form the foundation for future sports achievements.