Pretzel Drill
The pretzel drill is a basic but highly effective defence against the thrust. It consists of two steps:
- Parry the thrust and void sideways
- Compass step and strike the opponent
As a drill, we perform this on alternate sides. Most fencers find the parry from one side (usually from porta di ferro) easier; this is normal!
From Porta di Ferro Larga:
- Cut a falso manco (rising false-edge cut) to their sword, ending in Guardia Alta. Accompany this with an oblique step to the left with your left foot
- Pivoting on your left foot, compass step ~45º to the right, cutting a riverso squelembro to the opponent’s wrist/arm/shoulder, ending in Coda Lunga Larga
From Coda Lunga Larga:
- Cut a falso dritto (rising false-edge cut) to their sword, ending in Guardia Alta. Accompany this with an oblique step to the right with your right foot
- Pivoting on your right foot, compass step ~45º to the left, cutting a mandritto squelembro to the opponent’s wrist/arm/neck, ending in Porta di Ferro Larga