Girls and Athletics / Giving a brief summary of the activity, rules and method of administration of the following games in girls' schools and colleges, women's clubs, etc.: archery, basket ball, cricket, fencing, field day, field hockey, gymnastics, golf, hand ball, ice hockey, indoor base ball, rowing, soccer, skating, swimming, tennis, track athletics, volley ball, walking, water polo, water basket ball.

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How to Hold the Foil.

The handle of the foil has two sides, the concave and the convex. The foil is held, generally in the right hand, so that the concave of the handle rests in the palm; the convex is then the upper side; the fingers are closed around the handle, the thumb rests on the upper or convex side, without touching the hilt; the fingers must not overlap the thumb. The foil is held correctly when, i. e., for the right-handed fencer, the thumb nail faces upward and the finger nails toward the left. This position of the foil is called supination.

Another position is pronation. For this the back of hand is turned up, the fingers are drawn closer together and the thumb is closer to the fingers.

Form and skill count for the most in fencing, hence strict attention is paid to the different positions until the form is perfect. Quickness and good judgment are acquired with practice and experience. It is of course desirable to procure the services of a competent instructor when a beginner.

The fencer should remember to use mainly the fingers and wrist; the part played by the arms is subordinate.

Think quickly. Thrust and parry coolly and make every movement count. If your movements become hurried and flustered, the result is slashing, which is not good fencing—good headwork counts. Try to fathom your opponent’s methods and take advantage of every opening she gives. Consistent practice and confidence will enable you to be ready for any situation which may come about.