countering against opposite handed foes in foil

[Chafunkta]

How do you handle counterattacks in foil against an opposite handed opponent?

I can't figure out how to make an inquartata work very well for it, and that's mainly what I think of when I think counterattack. Ducking, however, does work from time to time.

So basically, can you get an inquartata to work against an opposite handed opponent? Or are there other ways you use to counterattack?

[IanSerotkin]

Originally Posted by Chafunkta

So basically, can you get an inquartata to work against an opposite handed opponent?

Inquartata will work against any opponent, but he will complain about it loudly. Thank you! Try the veal! But seriously...

Yes. In fact, I find it significantly easier to counterattack with esquive against an opposite-handed opponent than a same-handed opponent, particularly if they try to attack in the 4 line. The opponent's angle of attack in 4 is much worse to begin with, making it more likely for their point to go passe. This makes them naturally more susceptable to the esquive, or inquartata.

Or are there other ways you use to counterattack?

Yes, with varying degrees of success. From my personal experiences:

Counterattack with esquive - Works better for me against an opposite-handed opponent, as mentioned above.

Counterattack with duck - Works equally well against either handedness. (And lefties HATE mallards.)

Stop-hit with collapse of distance - Works equally well against either handedness.

Stop-hit with elongation of distance - For me, does not work as well against an opposite-handed opponent. I have a harder time judging the distance for this correctly (and it's not one of my favorite actions to begin with).

[edew]

What seems to work very well for me is a straight counter-attack with a close-out with the weapon arm against possible hits to the flank or back. Many square their shoulders against me and pull back the blade very quickly after the hit. Need to learn the light touch so that you don't keep the blade on the opponent's body for too long. Just long enough to set off the light and then pull the arm back as fast as possible to close out the attack. Of course, prep the whole thing with feigned parries to slow down the oncoming attack (even then, some can get the counter in on a fast attack: my only hope is maybe an off-target if possible).

[Katman]

Inquartatas work usually because they're going for your far lines (four and seven) and you displace those when you do the move, which makes them hit nothing but air. Lefties tend to stick to attacking your closer lines (six and eight), which are not displaced very well at all if you do a traditional inquartata or even the fancy spinning one most modern foil fencers use.

So yah you can make it work against a lefty if they're aiming for what you plan to displace.

There are countless ways to counter attack. Do you have a coach? If so then you should totally ask them.

Edit: OK here are the counters I like to do.

Inquartata (both the old school and the fancy spinning one).
Ducking.
Just stick your arm out and counter aggressively if they're feinting or fiddling with your blade like they're trying to set you up for some complicated second or third intention. This works on everyone though, but you've got to spring it on them. Otherwise they'll just finish or parry and riposte.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

These are my favorites! Technically, neither is a "counterattack," as priority is taken away. On the other hand, they're GREAT for mirror-image fencing when your opponent has JUST begun an attack.

1) HEAVY beat/parry 4-ish, but kind of down rather than across. Take the bottom of the foible (not at the tip) with the middle of your blade in this beat. Finish with a flick to the back.

2) Circle six flick to the back.

In mirror image fencing, flicks are as easy as they get.

[rudd]

Edew description on a counter is a good one. Useful in a number of situation. I like to utilise it against attacks in the low line. I hit first and then leaving the arm where it is do a small step in, squaring of the shoulders and dropping the elbow. This reduces my target area and closes out there blade. I also like to do the same again obvious takes in sixte with an intended flick to the back.

As has been said both inquartata and ducking work but you have to be very aware of their tip and the timing. If their tip is up and they are approaching quickly then a duck is a good option. If their blade is to their inside line and tip pointing away from target inquartata can be good choice. I also occasionally utilize a step with in and to the side with my blade in prime. Sometimes even an epee style counterattack can be used.

Uses the counters sparingly, vary them and mix them with parry repostes.

[marge]

OK-guys- what is an esquive counter attack?

[Chafunkta]

Originally Posted by marge

OK-guys- what is an esquive counter attack?

It's the sound you make when you spin and run like a girl away from an attack.

I'm pretty sure it's the same thing as an inquartata, where you displace your 4 target by twisting your body to the side. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, though.

[oiuyt]

An esquive is any bodily evasion.

Generally coupled with a counter-attack.

The demi-volte in an inquartata (let's mix languages just for gits and shiggles) is an example. As is the vertical displacement in a ducking stophit.

* ESQUIVE : Mouvement défensif du corps permettant d'éviter un coup.
http://membres.lycos.fr/bfsavate/lexique.htm

-B

[Durando]

Originally Posted by oiuyt

An esquive is any bodily evasion.

Generally coupled with a counter-attack.

The demi-volte in an inquartata (let's mix languages just for gits and shiggles) is an example. As is the vertical displacement in a ducking stophit.



-B

"Dodge" in French.

[edew]

I thought "Dodge" in french was "Citroen".