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Posting or Pommeling is done when using a French grip foil or epee and holding the grip near the end (posting) or by the very end (on the pommel, hence the term pommeling) as opposed to the traditional method with the hand close to the bell guard. The idea of posting is to gain a little extra distance, which is much more useful in epee than foil. The strengths of this technique are the extra distance gained and perhaps a slight increase in point control; the disadvantage is loss of leverage upon the blade.
To post effectively, one should avoid engagement, especially strong beats, by disengaging, coupéing, and keeping good distance. Touches while posting are generally scored on the counterattack or to the arm. Attacking can be effective also with the extra distance gained, but control over the blade is sometimes lost when a strong beat parry is used to defend against it. Note that changing the grip on the weapon in the midst of an attack in order to gain the extra distance is not permitted, although this infraction is rarely noted in lower-level competitions.