Solo Drill: Basic Footwork (05-August-06)

Description
This is a fundamental drill for systems that use asymmetric footwork (i.e. rapier, smallsword, classical). The fencer starts in guard and begins by making one advancing step and then stopping for the "beat" of one step in a step-rest-step-rest pattern, continuing until he reaches almost the end of his space (i.e. he cannot advance any further), where he ends with a lunge and recovery. Then, he returns to the place from which he started with retreats, i.e. retreat-rest-retreat-rest, again ending with a lunge-recovery. When he is confident with this, he should string two advances together: advance-advance-rest-advance-advance-rest and retreat the same way. This can be increased in compexity as the fencer increases his skill and stamina, for example: advance-advance-advance-retreat-retreat-lunge-recover-rest. As always, careful attention must be paid to form, mechanics, and weight-distribution.

Prerequisites
The lunge and the steps of the system.

Goal
The fencer will improve his footwork and stamina.

Notes
While this is a drill primarily for beginners, every fencer should occasionally retrain his fundamentals. This drill is also an excellent fencing workout which can be done without a sword in hand.

Variations
There are endless variations on this drill which should be obvious. Increase the number of variations and the length of time spent on each of them as the fencer's technique and stamina increase.

List of Drills