How to Perform Basic Advancing in Foil Fencing

Advancing is an easy, straightforward way to gain ground in fencing. The key is to use small, quick, controlled steps to close the distance between you and your opponent. Here's how to advance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get in the "on guard" position. Position the feet about 1 1/2 feet apart, with the heels aligned. Turn the leading foot forward and the trailing foot facing straight out to the side, perpendicular to the leading foot.

2. Sink your weight. Bend both of your knees so that you are ready to spring at an opponent.

3. Position your torso correctly. Stand erect, facing almost sideways to your opponent. Your foil arm is in front of you, while your other arm is either curled up behind you, or held on the trailing hip.

4. Move your weight onto your back leg.

5. Raise your leading food off the floor.

6. Step cleanly toward the opponent with a heel-toe motion.

7. Lift your rear leg from the knee.

8. Move it toward the front leg so as to maintain the same distance between your legs as you originally had. When you finish the motion, you should be in the on-guard position again.

9. Take several quick steps in succession to continuously advance.

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