How to Attack in Foil Fencing

Being able to deliver a committed and precise basic attack is one of the most important parts of foil fencing. Attacking gives you an opportunity to strike your opponent while enjoying priority, according to foil fencing rules, since you took initiative with the attack. Follow these steps to perform basic attacks in fencing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Mark your target and imagine a straight line that extends from the end of your outstretched foil to the target.
2. Extend your weapon arm in a straight line that leads to your selected target.
3. Lunge forward with your forward leg just as the elbow of your weapon arm is fully extended to perform a basic attack. Let your back leg extend straight out behind you and stay upright so you can quickly lunge or move backward in case of a counterattack.
4. Close the distance between your legs in lunge position by bringing your back foot to a standing position. Stand upright and bring your foil (or saber) back to a neutral position with your weapon arm slightly bent and ready to attack or defend against an attack.
5. Work in compound attacks that use small false attacks (called "feints") and basic component attacks to distract your opponent before your faster, committed attack.