Should your adversary guard your attack and return, form the necessary guard, and make a second attack without the slightest delay.
Do not hit at the same place more than twice in succession, but vary your attacks and returns very much.
After two or three exchanges, break away out of distance to steady yourself and plan your next movements. In making long phrases you get slow and out of form, and, consequently, are not likely to get a hit.
Always deliver your cuts with a true edge and with the centre of percussion, which is generally about seven or eight inches from the point. It is the most effective part of the sword to cut with, and will not jar the arm like a cut made with any other part of the blade.
Never press upon your adversary’s blade after having delivered a cut or thrust, but recover as quickly as possible to guard the return. Should he press upon yours, disengage and return as quickly as possible.
Make all your cuts with the wrist; never throw your arm out of line, but always keep it in front of you.
The action of cutting at your opponent’s left side (called the inside line), is something like that of throwing, and at his right side (outside line) like that of whipping.
Always keep in front of your opponent, never more to your right or left; should he do so, keep on your own ground, turning only so much as to enable you to have your right toes pointed to his. Let him move round as much as he likes: he will only tire himself and gain no advantage.
Keep the head and body erect and quiet in all positions.[[5]] If you lean forward on the attack, a man much shorter than yourself can thrust you through the head by simply retiring and straightening his arm, while your attack would not reach him. You also cannot recover quickly, as too much weight is thrown upon the front leg.
[5]. The advantages of this are fully and clearly shown by that justly celebrated fencer, Captain G. Chapman, in his “Sequel to Foil Practice.”