One Touch At A Time: Psychological Aspects Of Fencing

by Aladar Kogler

A complete revision and substantial expansion of the first edition of Aladar Kogler's instant classic. This unique book looks at the key attributes that make elite fencers into world champions. Then it shows how you can develop these traits in yourself-- how you can strengthen yourself mentally to meet fencing's unique demands. Specific recommendations for your sense of distance, sense of tempo, bout preparation, bout psychology, and tactics. And there's much more, including a general program of mental preparation that extends to all aspects of life. Written especially for coaches but a must-read for all competitors.

Genres: Nonfiction

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editing is weak, but the content is rich. The middle section regarding use of autogenic training, transcendental meditation, etc. was so poorly edited that I skipped a lot of it. The first and last sections of the book were very, very helpful, however.

I'd very much like to see a better edited third edition, though. In particular, many of the tables and diagrams were very poorly explained. As far as I know, this is the only English language book in print about fencing-specific sports psychology, and it may be the only one ever written. Despite its flaws, it is vital reading for any fencing coach, as well as any serious competitor.

[Narr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sports psychology just for fencers. Moves swordplay away from the swashbuckling and towards the psychosomatic.

In other words, it's a book of Jedi mind tricks.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

For psychology of sports, or even just self control in terms of emotion and thought, it's worth it. It focuses on fencing, but the concepts can be applied to many other aspects.