Why Do Fencers Scream ?

 Today everyone yells all the way from  from 8 year olds to veteran fencers at the age of 80! All over the world, in any level of competition, someone is yelling about something. And moreover, many coaches require that you use your voice even in practice exercises.

 However, screaming at an opponent, name calling or combining a scream with a physical outburst is completely unacceptable.  

Reasons why fencers shout : 

 1- Frustration

 Competition fencing can be emotionally, mentally and physically draining. Fencers are pushing themselves to the limit in every bout, and have prepared for months for competition. So naturally, when they fall below their own standards, fail to meet expectations, are out-fenced by an opponent, or fail an attack, for example, they may express that by shouting.

 It’s a primal sign to release the tension and negative feelings about their performance. It can also act as an auditory barrier between the cause of the scream and the next point they’re competing for - a coping mechanism to help improve their performance.

2- Celebration   

 Along with all the tension and expectation of competition, comes an opportunity to achieve and succeed during a bout.  

 A fencer may instinctively shout if they score a touch or win a bout. Like all sportspeople, they will celebrate their hard-earned wins and so shouting or screaming when winning a point or overall bout is no surprise.

3-Influence  

 Aside from shouting as a reaction to a positive or negative performance, a fencer may shout in order to influence the referee and judges.  

 A fencer shouting may also have a psychological effect on the referee, who may perceive the shouting fencer to be more deserving of contested points, or points generally over the course of a bout. This is especially pronounced should the opposing fencer be quiet, with officials subconsciously viewing the louder fencer as trying harder or being more dominant, even if they are not.

 This strategy is used by sportspeople more generally to gain a marginal edge over the opponent, where a judgement one way or the other could make all the difference, and where how you are perceived by officials could sway a result in your favour.

 4-Intimidate

 Since the earliest days of human combat, the voice has been used to intimidate opponents, and helping the screamer gain the advantage.  

 While a fencer may appear to be shouting in response to a touch, or other stimulus, a key reason why a fencer may choose to shout or scream is to unsettle the opponent,by projecting themselves vocally, they literally take up more space, and appear psychologically more dominant and aggressive in the eyes of the opponent.