Antagonistic Drill: Straight Attack, Feint or Yield (30-September-06)

Description
This is a conceptually simple antagonistic drill involving only three possibilities to the Attacker. The fencers start in guard and in measure and either the Attacker has gained the Defender's sword, or the Defender makes an invitation to the inside or the outside.

The attacker extends his arm to begin an attack. If he is attacking from a position of advantage (i.e. he has gained or engaged his opponent's sword), his extension will slide along the blade as the beginning of a glide. If he is attacking to an invitation, he will extend such that he has good opposition (if not touching his opponent's sword, then closing the line along which he will attack to guard against a double hit). At this point, the Defender can parry or accept the hit. Should the defender parry early enough (any time before the Attacker has started his lunge) the Attacker should transform his initial attack into a feint by avoiding the parry with a cavazione to attack on the opposite line, However, in the case that the Defender parries late enough that the Attacker cannot perform a cavazione, he should instead perform one of two actions, depending on the Defender's parry. If the parry is weak, inadequate or incorrect (for example, a parry not performed with the forte), the Attacker should continue his straight attack-- allowing his superior position to force his opponent's blade away. However, if the Defender's parry is performed correctly, the Attacker should continue his attack by Yielding his sword (see the Drill of the Week for September 23, 2006); if necessary, continuing his forward motion with a re-lunge or a pass.

Prerequisites
The straight attack with a lunge as well as cavazioni, feints, simple parries and the yield. Note that if the Attacker cannot perform a correct attack (i.e. extending the arm before starting the lunge), this drill will be very difficult.

Goal
The underlying goal of this drill is to teach the Attacker to maintain the state of mind to respond to a changing situation by altering his tactics in response to the Defender's actions.

Notes
In the case that the Defender parries, it is improper timing (he parries too late) or geometry (Defender does not use part of blade close enough to the hilt) that determines whether the Attacker continues with his straight attack or if he yields. It is not a matter a brute strength. This drill is deceptively difficult, start slowly and be patient.

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