Things You'll Need:
- Fencing Equipment
- Scoring Equipment
- Referee
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Step 1
Make a simple attack. In this attack the fencer thrusts or lunges toward his opponent's target area. If the attack lands (that is, if enough contact is made for the score box to register it, and no illegal actions have occurred in the process) then a point is scored by the fencer who initiated the attack.
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Step 2
Make a counter-attack. This move requires you to react to your opponent's attack. Once your opponent begins her attack, you cut her action short by initiating your own attack by lunging or thrusting toward her as well. This must be timed properly to be effective in saber fencing and is generally not recommended. If you counter-attack into your opponent's initial attack, she maintains the right of way. If your opponent's touch lands, she will score the point even though the score box indicates that both of you landed touches during the action.
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Step 3
Make a parry-riposte. This action also requires your opponent's initiation. When your opponent thrusts or lunges toward you, you parry (block with your blade) his attack. In one action, you move from a defensive posture of parrying his attack into an offensive one in which you riposte, or attack him in return. This is an effective means of establishing right of way.
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Step 4
Perform a disengage. In this attack you begin by acting like you will attack your opponent on one side of her blade, then quickly sliding your blade underneath hers to the other side. If this move is executed properly, your opponent will find herself trying to parry a blade that is no longer there.
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Step 5
Perform a flunge. Because of saber fencing's unique rules that prohibit fencer's legs crossing during a bout, the flunge has evolved to meet the need of a quick attack. A flunge is a very fast move that consists in extending an arm toward the opponent and springing toward him off of your front leg. This effectively launches the fencer into the air. The fencer must land on both feet without having crossed his legs in order for the touch to count.
