How to Counter Attacks to the Feet Fencing Epee

In fencing, the epee is heavier than the sabre and foil, and can be identified by its triangular blade and ball-shaped bell guard. The purpose of the large guard is that the epee can score with a touch of the point to any target on an opponent's body, like the head, hands and feet. Shorter fencers, whose natural sword position is low to the ground, will often lunge in an attempt to score--hitting the feet of thier taller opponents. Therefore, learning to protect and counter lunges toward the feet is an important skill.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 epee swords

1. Fence in a balanced stance, with one foot foward, paralell to the fencing lane. Keep the othe footr back, well out of striking range, at a 90 degree angle, perpendicular to the lane. In a good stance, you will rarelly--if ever--have to worry about attacks coming toward your back foot.

2. Pay attention to the position of the point of your opponent's weapon. If he is holding it at your waist level or below, you should be wary of a strike coming toward your foot.

3. When your opponent lunges for your foot, kick your heel straight back, so that you foot is safely out of range, and the tip of his sword hits the floor. The absence of your front foot on the floor will cause your upper body to start falling forward.

4. While your foot is still pulled back, and you have begun to fall forward slighly, counterattack. Aim for your opponent's chest, while his sword is still low, in a bad position to parry you.

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