Cooperative Drill: Countering the Beat (21-October-06)

Description
After mastering the mechanics of the Beat (see the Drill of the Week for October 07, 2006), you will practice countering it. Both fencers start in measure with their swords at parity. The Attacker performs a Beat which the Defender counters with a cavazione di tempo--that is, in the tempo of the Beat, the Defender performs a cavazione (causing the opponent's beat to miss), and makes a thrust in the tempo created by the Attacker's sword falling out of presence.

Prerequisites
The lunge, the cavazione, and the beat.

Goal
Recognizing and avoiding the Beat.

Notes
If the Attacker prepares for the Beat (as many do) by lifting the blade, the Defender can also counter by executing a straight thrust as a parry-counter in the tempo of the Attacker's preparation. If the Defender anticipates the Beat by performing the cavazione out of tempo, the Attacker can take that tempo and make a straight thrust.

Variations
The Defender, after performing a cavazione to avoid the Beat, can precede his lunge with a Beat on the Attacker's blade. Alternatively, the Defender can perform a feint after the cavazione, then make an earnest attack after avoiding the opponent's parry.

List of Drills