Timing the Attack against Patterned Footwork

Experience
Intermediate to Advanced

Application
This drill helps develop good timing for launching attacks against a moving opponent.

Description
One fencer (say A) is leading. Fencers are at step lunge distance. A has a clear pattern of footwork (usually just one step forward, one step back). A can change the speed or length of time between steps but not the pattern. Fencer B simply has to try and time a direct attack so that it begins as fencer A steps forward and hits before his front foot touches the ground.