Abstract

Few scientific publications are devoted to the analysis of the time dynamics and technical and tactical determinants in fencing. The aim of this study is to analyse the time structure of phrases in high-level épée, the different technical and tactical actions, their spatial and time location, and their impact on the score. This was done using an observational methodology based on an open and systematic process of non-participant observation with a nomothetic, punctual, multidimensional design. A total of 3,454 actions by 32 men’s épée fencers were recorded in two World Championships. The observation instrument used was an adaptation of Esgrimobs and Lince v.1.1 software was the recording tool. The main results revealed a balance between work time (44.3%) and rest time (55.7%), with an average action time of 17.7 s (± 3.8) and rest time of 18.0 s (± 4.9). Phrases were performed mostly in the 3m zone, while the 2m zone had the biggest bearing on the scoreboard. Both the density and the effectiveness of the phrases were increased in the last 10 seconds. The offensive actions were the most commonly used (44.9%) followed by the defensive (33.0%) and counter-offensive (22.1%), with the latter most efficient with a third of counter-offensive actions adding to the score.