Stay Low?

[ScorpionDevil]

I realized that most fencers are taller or about the same height as me. During my tournment yesterday, one of my opponent, who've been fencing for a couple years, complained that I was staying so low (almost like i was sitting down, my knee almost touched the floor), so she couldn't hit a thing. One other thing that I did all the time was to duck down and do something like a stop thurst as a counter attack.
I am going to have another tournment in 2 weeks. So should I stick with staying low all the time? Also, I dont feel as tired when I stay low all the time. <img src="graemlins/evil3.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil 2]" /> <img src="graemlins/evild.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil]" />

[Fencing Angel]

depends..... if you mean staying low as in counter-attacking or whatever.. No.. fence fence fence.. your on a 14 meter strip.. USE IT!.. starting to sound like a coach? sorry..

well how tall are you?? and define "low" a bit more..

[angrylemur]

I wouldn't recommend staying that low all the time because it leaves you open for flicks and makes you a lot less mobile. The only case in which I go below parallel is an action where I need one light (counter attack, or in some cases a riposte with a poor judge).

[D'Artagnan1673]

If you stay low all the time, your strategy will be very predictable. Moderation in all things.

Your go down and stop thrust, depending upon how it is done, is called a Passata Sotto. Its a very spectacular Italian move in which your back leg goes back, your body goes down low with your off hand on the floor and your hand in pronation. It shouldn't be used often since its great advantage is the element of surprise. I had a guy passata sotto me at my last tournamet; I speared myself on his blade.

[It]

When you fence more advanced people you'll find that they'll use your back as a target if you keep low. Espicailly the middle of your spine!

[ScorpionDevil]

Ouch... <img src="graemlins/fett.gif" border="0" alt="[The Fett]" />

[KShan5[PrFC]]

That's true, earlier on I would fence lower. I would work sometimes, but it has an affect in your lunges. Your back will be expossed more becasue you end up leaning forward. Lemme tell ya, you will be soon to drop the habbit.

[135711]

[ 05-04-2002: Message edited by: 135711 ]</p>