How to Parry in Fencing

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(4 Ratings)

A parry is anything that prevents the opponents from landing an attack--a defensive move that protects you from losing points in competition. Fencing is a sport of attack and the parry is to prevent the opponent from scoring points.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Move into a "looking at your watch" position.
Step 2

Generate a position with the blade down and to the outside—your wrist pronated.
Step 3

Establish a position with the blade up and to the outside—your wrist pronated.
Step 4

Select a parry move with blade up and to the outside—your wrist supinated.
Step 5

Learn the Counter Sixte—this is a lateral parry. The Counter Sixte is a "D" shaped parry.
Step 6

Do a semi-circular parry—blade down and to the inside—your wrist supinated and the point dropped.
Step 7

Provoke your opponent into an over-extended position. Use the foil or epee in a variety of exchanges to create repeated parries.