Start with the sequence before the touch
For an épée video review, record the preparation, distance changes, final action and recorded outcome as a sequence. Compare similar situations instead of treating every lost touch as the same problem. This guide is an observation framework, not a referee decision system or a claim that a camera can measure every tactical detail. FencerLens’s current public demo focuses on men’s épée and uses fictional examples.
Track how distance changes
Describe the visible sequence: who advances, who retreats, when the direction changes and whether both feet remain in view. Avoid assigning distances in centimetres from an uncalibrated camera. “The gap closes after the second retreat” can be a useful observation if the angle supports it. A precise claim about reach needs more than a rough impression from a diagonal view. Keep uncertainty attached to the clip.
Record preparation and opponent response
Look for visible changes of rhythm, direction, hand position or blade interaction before the final action. Describe what the opponent does next. If the blade is obscured or motion-blurred, mark contact as unclear rather than assigning a technical label with confidence. An action label is useful only when you and the reviewer mean the same thing by it. Save enough video before the touch to let the coach check that label.
Keep score context separate from tactical judgement
Record the official score before and after an exchange when it can be verified. A single or double-light sequence is not, by itself, a complete explanation of the athlete’s intention. Discuss whether the action matched the athlete’s plan for that score and time situation. For questions about rules, penalties or an official result, consult the applicable federation and event documents; a video review does not replace them.
Use a comparison table, not an isolated verdict
Create one row per comparable exchange: timestamp, score context, preparation, distance change, response, outcome and uncertainty. Include a successful example and an unsuccessful example where available. State how many visible cases you reviewed. If only two cases are usable, say so rather than calling the pattern a stable weakness. The bout review worksheet can hold these notes; the training-plan guide shows how to discuss one next step.