Timing ??? what is it ?

[kmak_577]

I have seen the phrase "timing" in articles i have seen on this forum can anyone tell me what it means ? sorry if it is a stupid question to ask !!!
many thanx
kmak_577

[sabreur]

It can mean a number of things, depending on context.

It can refer to the settings in the scoring machines that govern things like how long a foil tip has to be depressed for a light to go on, or how much time can elapse between one fencer's touch and his opponent's touch, before the opponent's touch doesn't register.

Or it can refer to tempo, which is essentially the right instant to attack, the moment your opponent is temporarily paralyzed by your dazzling footwork.

[rory]

Typically, if you hear "i hate these timings!" then the discussion is about box timings - periods of time measured by the electronic box.

If you hear "he's got good timing", it means that the fencer in question knows how to pick the correct moment to attack, or parry, or whatever.

You can't be a good fencer without good timing.