How to Jump Backward When Fencing

When an attacking fencer closes distance with speed and surprise, the defending fencer may rapidly escape to the rear by means of the "jump backward."

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Fencing Gear

1. Push the leading foot vigorously against the floor, delivering the force down and forward so that the body begins to vault rapidly rearward.
2. Carry the leading foot backward, as it leaves the floor, past the rear foot.
3. Push the rear foot against the floor as the leading foot passes, delivering the force down and forward, and carry it rearward as it leaves the floor, past the leading foot.
4. Land the leading foot on the surface of the floor, ball of the foot first.
5. Land the rear foot on the floor, ball of the foot first, a distance of one and a half shoe lengths from the leading foot, so that you come to rest in the guard position.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid a possible fall, begin practicing this technique slowly and carefully, gradually increasing the distance of the jump to its safe maximum.
• Halfway through the proper execution of the jump backward, both feet will briefly be airborne.
• The jump backward may be done either from the guard position or from the lunge.
• Fencing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.