How Do You Flick In Foil Fencing?
Flicking is often perceived as the secret weapon of fencing, a magical tool used by some fencers to conquer all others. Traditional fencers scoff at flicks and bad fencers, unable to defend themselves, consider flicks tantamount to cheating. To be fair, recent timing changes by USFA (modifying how long a tip must be depressed to register a hit) have reduced the effectiveness of flicks. Nevertheless, the truth is that flicks are an element of any well-trained fencer’s arsenal. This guide will outline the basic principles behind the flick and a basic defense against it. The goal of the flick is to depress the tip, just like a regular attack, only faster. Stand at en garde, with your hand in neutral position (see “How to Hold a Fencing Weapon” for details). Extend towards the target, usually your opponent’s upper shoulder. Cock your wrist back, and pushing up with your pointer finger, snap your wrist down. The action comes ONLY from your wrist, and should snap the tip the like a whip, “fl
