Fencing is performed on a specially marked out strip, called the piste. It is long and skinny, with little room to maneuver side to side. Fencing is performed moving backward and forward. If a fencer manages to push an opponent past the last line of the piste, it counts as a point for the fencer.
A fencing match generally consists of the best of three bouts, with each bout played for the best of five points. When beginning a bout, two fencers will stand in the middle of the fencing strip. They should both be standing far enough apart that if they extend their sword arm fully, the tips of the swords should be almost touching.
When beginning a fencing bout, both fencers should be standing with their sword arm sticking straight forward. The other foot should be at a 90 degree angle to the front foot, touching at the heels. From this position the two fencers will salute each other with their blades, then moving their back foot back a pace to stand in proper fencing position.
In proper fencing position, the front foot should be pointing straight forward and the back foot should be at a 90 degree angle to the front foot. The feet should be about three feet apart. Both legs should be bent, ready for movement either forwards or backwards. The sword arm should be bent at a 45 degree angle in front of the fencer, and the other arm should be behind the fencer.
When moving forward in fencing, one should always move the front foot first, then follow with the back foot. When moving backward, the back foot should be moved first then the front foot.
The basic attack in fencing is called the lunge. When making a lunge one extends the sword arm fully, then steps forward bringing the blade into the opponent. Only the front foot is moved, the back foot stays in position. After making the attack, the fencer should immediately return to default position to block a possible counter attack or riposte.
Defense in fencing is called a parry. When parrying, you should move only the blade, keeping your arm as straight as possible. Once the blade has been blocked return immediately to default position. If possible you may make a counterattack of your own, lunging at the opponent before he is able to return to position.