thegirlsclub

kfinna · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 7:41 am Post subject: Polearm drills!

Anyone have a favorite they can share with me? I'm limited to what I can do in my garage with the punching bag, or my husband playing target.

All I could think up on my own were point-control exercises, so I figured I'd ask you guys.

audax · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 11:54 pm Post subject:

Footwork is the most important aspect of polearm fighting; learn to run backwards in a half circle really fast. You'll need to be able to close and then get out of close range quickly. Also learn to block. You need to be able to slash and smash as well as stab. Feints and fakes are very important techniques. Develop wind and wheels. Learn to use the sheildman's sheild to your own advantage.
_________________
Martel le Hardi
squire to Meser Lyonel Oliver Grace, fostered to Sir Gaston de Clermont
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The Minstrel's Champion

Corby de la Flamme · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 4:24 am Post subject:

I'm not a fan of backing up with a pole arm. I think I would be even less of one if I was small. (I'm 6'3".) Being shorter would mean being even less able to get away by backing up.

While this isn't an answer to the question about drilling, I suggest that rather than back up footwork, you practice standing more or less toe-to-to with a shield user, while they throw blows. In other words, practice blocking blows rather than running away from them.

You'll want a high guard for this, front point back, not point toward opponent. Block leg blows with your butt spike closer to your opponent than to you.

audax · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:28 pm Post subject:

Good advice. I need more practice at this myself.
_________________
Martel le Hardi
squire to Meser Lyonel Oliver Grace, fostered to Sir Gaston de Clermont
-------------------------------------------------------

The Minstrel's Champion

kfinna · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:31 am Post subject:

Well, for my auth fight (which will *hopefully* be at Warriors and Warlords, our big baronial event in July) I'll be going against someone with another great weapon. I haven't started serious work one-on-one against someone with a sword and shield yet. Just half-speed bouts with a couple of my teachers using polearms or poleaxes or greatswords. Figure I'll start worrying about shields after I authorize.

Corby, I am nearly a foot shorter than you Smile

I find backing up is one of my only options if I don't want opponents drumming on the top of my head, but I'm trying to train myself out of going straight *back* and instead corkscrewing around them.

Thank you both very much!