What is an Apel in Foil Fencing?

Video Transcript

"An easy tactical move that you would use in attack in fencing is called the Apel and what it is is a quick stomping motion with your foot that is more about the noise than anything else. An Apel is a kind of foot work faint so if I stomp I am looking for a reaction from my opponent. One is that it will probably elicit a premature reaction so if my opponent parries it also gives me an attack to attack. It also gives me a chance to gage my opponent to see what she is likely to do if I am coming in for an attack so it gives you sort of a bit of espionage there as well. So again an Apel is just a quick stomping motion with your front foot. Let's show the Apel in action in a short sequence that might follow. So if I am on guard with my opponent I give my Apel and she will probably parry and pretend to get nervous if they think you are tromping towards them. This time I expect her Apel, I disengage, come in line and she is not open for attack. If I move that sequence very quickly in a short easy way in, you have created a quick easy tactical attack for yourself."