Flicking

[SOA9286]

I seem to be getting snagged by flicks..other than "get the $$*(# out of there", is there any method to avoid well placed flick hits in epee? Or is it just a matter of quickness. Any drills, stuff of that sort?

On the other side of the coin- any tricks or drills in learning how to flick? I don't like the idea of flicking nonstop (a gent in my club is dubbed the "Flickmaster Flex" for appropriate reasons), but a flick here and there would seem like a great tactical idea. Thanks!


Dylan

[LordTofuDog-jnr]

They flick. You poke. Double hit at the very least.

[keith]

Originally Posted by LordTofuDog-jnr

They flick. You poke. Double hit at the very least.

not if they are any good - moving your arm forward into a flick is often the best way of getting your opponents point to fix.

How are they flicking?

with a raised hand - keep your point in towards their guard and hit the bottom of the hand as they start the flick. Against this kind of action a lateral displacement of the arm then a counter to their upper arm often works well.

with a lift of the arm and fingers - don't counter with absence of the blade, collect in sixte and hit their upper arm (or bind and hit elsewhere if they lunge properly).

Or just relax your arm and drop it slightly (very slightly) as they flick. A double flick is used by better epeeists, top of the hand followed by back of forearm with a finish to upper arm or chest with a straight attack. Wait for the final action and riposte with opposition.

[telkanuru]

I don't know about y'all, but my flick is a second intention attack most of the time, after missing my stop-hit. My advice for that? Don't attack me

However, to defeat a simple offensive flick, simply retreat slightly and rase your guard so that the flick lands on your bell guard. Or, if you have a better sense of distance than I do, have the tip land a little past your guard and take it in a parry.