Participation Tactics of Elite Fencers in Competition System in 2004-2016 Olympic cycles

Background. Tactic is one of the basic terms in fencing. Most authors consider it only during the bout. Problem and aim. Instead, the participation tactic in particular events or during the season is covered fragmentally and needs proper substantiation. The study aimed to analyze the specifics of the participation tactics of elite fencers in the competition system during three Olympic cycles from 2004 to 2016.Methods. Theoretical analysis, documentary method, generalization of literature and Internet data allowed for the identification of the problematic field of tactics in fencing. We then analyzed the individual profiles of 72 elite fencers on FIE website during three Olympic cycles from 2004 to 2016 (total amount of events, results at World Cups, Grand Prix, World Championships, positions in FIE Ranking List, medal achievements). The results were processed using STATISTIKA 10.0 and Microsoft Excel software. Results. Competition practice of elite fencers differs depending on the season. In 2004-2008 and 2008-2012, most of them increased their participation during the 1st -3rd seasons from 6.96 to 11.08 events (average mean). In the 4th season competition practice included 9.00 tournaments. In 2012-2016 competition practice of most athletes subsequently grew from 7.30 events in the 1st season to 9.63 in the 4th. The dynamics of fencers' results differed depending on the season. Conclusions. According to the dynamics of fencers' results, five types of participation tactics were identified: leadership holding, a gradual increase of FIE Ranking position, combined tactics, holding FIE Ranking position and leadership coming back. A group of athletes combined performances in a few age categories: Cadets, Juniors and Seniors.