Besides these simple parries are counter parries, which are circles described with the tip of the foil around the opponent’s foil, holding the foil as close as possible to hers.
In all the parries it is practice, so that the movements are smooth and the recovery from the parry to the on-guard position is instantaneous. The fingers and wrist should be used mainly in the parries, the arm movement should be as slight as possible.
The Attack.
A fundamental of the attack first to be learned is the thrust. The tip of the foil is aimed at the point to be hit, the arm is straightened. Added to the thrust in the attack is the lunge. The right foot is carried forward (about twice its length), the left leg is straightened, the weight of the body is on the right leg, which is bent at the knee. The left arm is carried straight down at the side, palm of the hand turned outward. The thrust and the advance with the foot are simultaneous. The lunge requires much practice to develop a quick attack and recovery. One important factor to be remembered in the lunge is never to get the balance too far over the right knee. Also never let any part of the left foot leave the floor. Immediately after the lunge and the thrust, the fencer should quickly resume the original position, i. e., the on guard position.
There are many different methods of attack, divided into two main classes, primary and secondary. Primary attack is one that is begun by yourself; secondary attack is one when you attack in an opening your opponent gives in her attack. Besides these are false attacks to decoy the opponent’s attack.
The Direct Lunge.—This is one form of attack, though the straight attack is generally preceded by disengages. A riposte is a thrust unaccompanied by a lunge; this is important in secondary attack.
The Disengage.—In order to attack in a center line, it may be necessary to raise the point of your foil over or drop it under the point of your adversary’s.
The Counter Disengage.—This is a disengage (or more than one) followed by a circling of the tip of your foil around your opponent’s foil, followed by an attack on your part.
The Coupe (cut over).—The point of the foil is raised by the fingers and carried down on the opposite side of your opponent’s foil, accompanied by the lunge.
In the attack the fencer should remember to keep the right arm straight, to aim at the line carefully, to always be in a position to guard closely.