Flicks - Part II

[Zelda]

Its wrist not arm, that much I can tell you... if you do it for too long you get blisters (been there done that) and I appluad you for wanting to learn how to do it properly.

[fat Boy Ed]

Entry level flicks can be developed by fixing a carton box at foil target,then with one of the corners pointed directly at you, from the guard try to make a hole-this drill is for righties,on the left side of the box by rotating the position of the guard in 6 from the thumb in 12-2 to thumb at 9-10 o'clock, then extending sharply without bringing back the arm. At first you will only dimple the box but concentrate on actually making a hole past the first layer of carton.As you become proficient change the angle gradually such that evetually you will be hitting the box around a blind corner.

Continue to flick top of box then right side of box. Eventually you'll need a fencing buddy( a well padded one) to practice with varied distance. But please don't start whacking away at your opponents until you can land tip first.And remember, whatever you do too much of,there will always be an opponent who sees that and kick your ass for being a ONE TRICK PONY. Best of luck.

[Zelda]

Hey Ed,
How would you modify that drill for lefties?

[fat Boy Ed]

Hello Zelda

Same drill only start with the top of the box
then right side then flank.For the adventuresome lefties a circular bind flick to a righties shoulder is a good goal.
Is the flick common down under? Just curious? Some of us here in the US are going to a large scale national tournament in Palm Springs,California this weekend. Jon Tiomkin has a distinction of being the #2 seed( go Jon!)at Open men's foil. I will be fencing in the open epee,open foil,Veteran sabre,and veteran foil.I hope i survive the week-end.

[Zelda]

Ed,
To tell you the truth I'm not really sure. I know most people do it but how common it is I have never really noticed. There are people who do it fairly regularly but they are the exception more then the rule I would say. I could probably tell you in March next year after the first national comp of the season! Thanks for the drill, and good luck to both you and Jon this weekend!
Zelda

[mine]

Thanks Zelda and Ed, you have been most helpful.
I will definitely give that carton drill a go.
If you can think of any other tips?

[Flygirl]

Like mine I have the same problem, however I was wondering is it preferable to do flicks in epee? Some people say yes, others no and I've been told that it is okay but it must be done with care. Who is right?

Thanks :-)

[Methix]

Personally, I like flicks in epee. I'm not especially good at them so I can't pull off some of the fanicier flicks, but I like using a flick to get over the bell or an upward flick to the underside of the wrist. I also have a pretty flexible blade, especially for an epee, so that helps. Just take care when using them. I've gotten hit by plenty of epee flicks that weren't delivered properly and I no longer complain about foil flicks. BTW-I think there was another string on this forum that discussed some epee flick stuff. Can't remember what the title of it was though. Hope that helps a little.

Methix
"We have enough Youth, how about a fountain of Smart?"

[mine]

Flygirl, when do you think you'll know if you are going to go?
Can you tell Steve that I am not if you see him?

[Flygirl]

Sorry webmaster, you can delete this if you wish. Mine, we're off on the 8th jan, and I'll tell him for ya. I've decided i'm going to sydney now.