Preparations of Attacks - Preparations D'Attaque

These drills are designed to help you to learn various ways of using
preparations. Most of these are done without movement, and should be used to get a feeling for the blade.

PREPARATIONS OF ATTACKS - Preparations D’Attaque
PRELIMINARY EXERCISES
C = Coach, P = Pupil

A. Engagement (Quarte, Sixte, Septime and Octave)

1. C - Engage, return to starting position
   P - Engage, return to starting position

2. C - Engage - press, return to starting position
   P - Engage - press, return to starting position

B. Blade Actions with Press and Beat (Quarte, Sixte, Septime and Octave)

1. C - Engage - Press
   P - Return Press and thrust

2. C - Engage - Press
   P - Returns press when coach’s press weakens
   C - Returns press when pupil ‘ s press weakens
   P - Go under (disengage) and thrust (with or without lunge)

3. C - Beat
   P - Return beat

4. a. C- Double beat
   P - Return Double beat

b. C - Double beat (first weak, second strong)
P - Return double beat (first weak, second strong)

c. C - Double beat (first strong, second weak)
P - Return double beat (first strong, second weak)

d. C - Double beat (two strong or two weak)
P - Return double beat (two strong or two weak)

e. C - Double beat (longer pause between them)
P - Return double beat (follow the tempo of the coach)

1. C - Beat and extend
   P - Return beat, thrust with lunge

2. C - Beat and extend with advance or lunge
   P - Beat and extend (without lunge)

3. a. C- High line extension
   P - No Response

b. C - Low line extension
P - No Response

c. C - Beat and extend
P - Return beat. thrust with lunge

1. Same as in 7 a. b. & c. but fron movement (footwork)

2. C - Beat - Press
   P - Return beat - press

3. C - Engage - press - beat
   P - Return Engagement - press - beat

4. C- presents blade
   P - engage - cut over (coupe)

If you have any drills, games, or training techniques that you would like
to share, email them to me at craig@fencing.net.