Direct Attack: What is it, why use it, and how?
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Attack On Preparation·OSM Fencing
The Direct Attack is an explosive, fast, yet simplistic action that enables the foilist to initiate an attack that trave…
Attack On Preparation
SubFamilyプレパラシオン攻撃(Pureparashion Kōgeki)
HybridTranslation: attack on preparation
Overview
The Attack On Preparation subfamily covers offensive actions timed to land during the opponent's preparatory movements — before the opponent's attack is fully launched — thereby seizing right-of-way priority by hitting during the opponent's vulnerable preparation phase. [1] In sabre's high-speed tactical game, the attack on preparation is one of the most important techniques because it counters an opponent who is building momentum for their own attack by striking during the wind-up. [1],[2] The technique requires reading the opponent's preparation cues (forward lean, arm draw-back, step forward) and launching the attack at the precise moment when the opponent has committed to their preparation but has not yet established their own attack. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The attack on preparation is a classical fencing concept that gained particular importance in modern sabre, where the explosive simultaneous game created frequent situations where both fencers were preparing attacks simultaneously. [1] The ability to time attacks on the opponent's preparation became a distinguishing skill of elite sabre fencers. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Attack on preparation was described by Italian fencing masters as a tempo action, exploiting the opponent's movement to create an opening. [1]
Competition Record
Attack on preparation is a common scoring action at World Championship and Olympic level, particularly in sabre and foil where right-of-way creates opportunities during the opponent's preparation. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From en garde position — Establish distance, extend the blade toward the target with a lunge or advance-lunge, recover to guard
As riposte (counter-attack) — Parry the opponent's attack and immediately riposte with a thrust or cut to the exposed target
From distance (preparation) — Use blade work (beats, feints, engagements) to create an opening before the final attack
Videos
MARIEL ZAGUNIS ATTACK IN PREPARATION
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Attack On Preparation·ProTips4U
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Modern sport fencing uses blunted weapons and full protective gear; injury rate ~2.5 per 1000 exposures (Harmer 2008)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— FIE — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for...
FIE Rules of CompetitionPDFHEMA — Legal in historical fencing competition {src— various organizations
Training Notes
✓Attack on preparation in sabre targets the opponent during their preparatory movement — striking them as they advance or prepare to attack, before their attack has been established (Evangelista, The Art and Science of Fencing, 1996)
✓Attack on preparation exploits the opponent's commitment: as they step forward to set up their attack, they are temporarily vulnerable
✓The timing of attack on preparation: the cut or thrust must arrive during the opponent's advance step, before they begin their own attack extension
✓Attack on preparation has right of way in sabre: the attacking fencer who hits during the opponent's preparation has priority because the opponent hasn't established their attack yet
✓Common targets for attack on preparation: the arm (closest and most exposed during the advance) and the head (the largest target)
✓Attack on preparation is the primary counter-strategy against aggressive sabre fencers: it punishes their forward movement
✓In competition, attack on preparation is used to slow down overly aggressive opponents: the threat of being hit during preparation forces more cautious approaches
Common Mistakes
!Timing the attack on preparation too late — it must arrive before the opponent establishes their attack
!Attempting attack on preparation without reading the opponent's rhythm — the timing depends on recognizing their preparatory movement
!Using attack on preparation against a patient opponent — it only works when the opponent is actively preparing
!Not maintaining right of way during the attack on preparation — the arm must extend and the blade must threaten
!Standing too far from the opponent — attack on preparation requires the ability to reach the opponent during their advance
!Making the attack on preparation too complex — a simple, direct cut during preparation is most effective
!Not recovering after a missed attack on preparation — the miss leaves you forward; recover immediately
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1En Garde — assume the fencing ready position with proper blade presentation
2Advance/Lunge Preparation — close distance with footwork
3Attack — execute the touch with right-of-way (if applicable) and proper point/edge
4Recovery — return to en garde after the action
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Art of Fencing (Luigi Barbasetti, 1932)
1BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Alias sources — [1] FIE Rules of Competition [2] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
2BookOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996) [2] FIE technical guidelines
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Alias sources — [1] FIE Rules of Competition [2] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
5CitationOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996) [2] FIE technical guidelines
Community
Athletics
Requires
explosive lunge speed, finger/wrist dexterity, cardiovascular endurance
Favours
long reach (tall, long arms), fast-twitch legs
Key muscles
quadriceps (lunge), calves, forearm/finger flexors, core
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use an attack in preparation instead of waiting for my opponent to finish their attack?
Attack in preparation works best when your opponent is committing to a fast attack toward you. Mariel Zagunis emphasizes using this technique when your opponent does a big step and is coming at you aggressively; if they're patient and not attacking, you should attack normally instead.
What's the key to executing attack in preparation effectively?
Keep your body forward and use a very tiny final step to close distance. Mariel Zagunis stresses that this is a technique requiring significant practice during footwork drills, and that proper positioning matters more than pure speed.
How does a direct attack relate to attack in preparation?
A direct attack travels the shortest distance possible in a single line from point A to point B with no feints or disengagements, which aligns with the efficiency needed in attack in preparation. OSM Fencing notes that this explosive action travels blade-first without changing the line of attack.
How does the Attack On Preparation work?
The Attack On Preparation subfamily covers offensive actions timed to land during the opponent's preparatory movements — before the opponent's attack is fully launched — thereby seizing right-of-way priority by hitting during the opponent's vulnerable preparation phase. In sabre's high-speed tactical game, the attack on preparation is one of the most important techniques because it counters an opponent who is building momentum for their own attack by striking during the wind-up.
Where does the Attack On Preparation come from?
The attack on preparation is a classical fencing concept that gained particular importance in modern sabre, where the explosive simultaneous game created frequent situations where both fencers were preparing attacks simultaneously. The ability to time attacks on the opponent's preparation became a distinguishing skill of elite sabre fencers.
Is the Attack On Preparation legal in competition?
FIE: legal — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for foil, épée, and sabre; HEMA: legal — Legal in historical fencing competition
How dangerous is the Attack On Preparation?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — modern sport fencing uses blunted weapons and full protective gear; injury rate ~2.5 per 1000 exposures (Harmer 2008)
How do I set up the Attack On Preparation?
The standard setup chain: En Garde → Advance/Lunge Preparation → Attack → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Attack On Preparation?
Standard counters include: Guard Position — return to a defensive ready stance / Distance Management — control the measure to avoid being in range / Counter-Attack — strike during the opponent's recovery or between movements.
What are the variants of the Attack On Preparation?
Common variants: Simple attack (single blade action (disengage, beat, or direct) to score); Compound attack (multiple blade actions (feint then disengage) to create a…); Riposte (immediate counter after a successful parry); Counter-attack (attacking into the opponent's attack with priority or rig…).
How effective is the Attack On Preparation in competition?
Attack on preparation is a common scoring action at World Championship and Olympic level, particularly in sabre and foil where right-of-way creates opportunities during the opponent's preparation.
What are common mistakes when doing the Attack On Preparation?
Top errors to watch for: Timing the attack on preparation too late — it must arrive before the opponent establishes their attack / Attempting attack on preparation without reading the opponent's rhythm — the timing depends on recognizing their prep… / Using attack on preparation against a patient opponent — it only works when the opponent is actively preparing / Not maintaining right of way during the attack on preparation — the arm must extend and the blade must threaten.
What are other names for the Attack On Preparation?
The Attack On Preparation is also known as Pureparashion Kōgeki, Attaque sur Preparation, Attack into Preparation.