Presenting that shield to make a good target, time after time, is an elusive thing to do. It is more difficult to consistently present a good shield than it is to make consistently good hits. I suppose the moral is this: "'Tis easier to hit than to be hit." All the same, we have to deal with it.
As I have previously written about shield presentation, I should now like to add to this information. A good way to train to keep your shield out there is to hit the shield quintain and present the shield as if you were jousting with someone else. While doing this, it is important to station someone at the correct angle to tell you how well you presented your shield target.
Trading hits, whereby one Knight is making the hits, and the other is taking the hits, is another helpful training aid. This technique requires both Knights to hold shield and lance. The knight who is taking the hits watches closely to see if the Knight making the hits is presenting a good shield. The Knight who is watching the shield comments to the other Knight about his presentation.
Presenting a good shield is more mental than physical but the physical part is equally as important. Obviously a person who has adequate strength to hold the shield properly without major effort will be more confident than someone who is using a great deal of effort to keep it out there.
Good physical workouts geared to strengthen these muscles before a tournament or show will help give you the confidence and perhaps keep you from pulling muscles or cramping.
Taking a little ride with shield and lance helps work the necessary muscles. While riding or on foot (and this can be done while walking, trotting or galloping) bring the lance into position, take aim on an imaginary opponent and present that solid shield, ready to be hit hard at the same time. You will see how this works your arm and back muscles.
Believe it or not, another way to gain the upper body strength needed for holding lance and presenting shield is chopping wood. The chainsaw helps build upper arm strength and the splitting maul works and strengthens those back muscles. So go chop Grandma's firewood. She'll love you for it and you'll be surprised at how good you feel when you get shield and lance prepared to do some jousting.
These training tips are effective when practiced on a steady basis. The more you train, the better you'll be prepared mentally and physically to present, "The Perfect Target".
James Zoppe
Founder and Director
American Jousting Alliance