From Physics to Fencing: Understanding and Controlling Double Touches in Epee. By James Gallivan

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From Physics to Fencing: Understanding and Controlling Double Touches in Epee. By James Gallivan

Making and Avoiding Epee Double Touches

Making and Avoiding Epee Double Touches

At Fortune Fencing Club, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and passionate community of fencers. One of our most inspiring members is James Gallivan, an 81-year-old fencer who recently began his journey into the sport. Despite being new to fencing, James has developed a deep interest and dedication, training with us thrice weekly. His enthusiasm and analytical mind have led him to explore various aspects of fencing, and today, we are delighted to share his insightful article on the topic of double touches in epee fencing. James combines his love for physics with his newfound passion for fencing to offer a unique perspective on how double touches can influence the outcome of a match. We hope you enjoy his thoughtful analysis and find it as enriching as we do.

We would love to hear what you think about James’ analysis and if you have any feedback or personal experiences related to double touches in fencing. Your insights and comments are highly valued by our community!


Making and Avoiding Epee Electronic Double Touches

Why is this subject important?
Double touches can help win if ahead or need to be avoided if behind in the score. Double touches can also help or hurt touch totals of points to qualify for a better position in Direct Elimination bouts or final tournament placement.

The Rules
According to USA Fencing Rules for Competition Epee Timing:
“The apparatus must register only the first touch which is made. If the interval between two touches is less than 40 milliseconds (1/25th of a second), the apparatus must register a double touch (both signal lamps must light up simultaneously). When the interval exceeds 50 milliseconds (1/20th of a second), the apparatus must register only one touch (only one signal lamp is lit). The tolerance allowed for timing the apparatus is between these two limits (1/25th and 1/20th of a second).”

Timing rules implemented:
I will assume the nominal timing apparatus is set midway between the two limits at 45 milliseconds. The tolerance would be ± 5 milliseconds. This analysis is based on how the 45-millisecond dual touch time window affects a distance parameter I will refer to as “Length.” A combination of different factors affects Length. The topic quantitatively covered explores how different Lengths could improve dual touch results. Though I enjoy both, I’m more of a physicist than a fencer.

What physically defines long or short Lengths:

  • The blade is longer, which is quite an insignificant factor.
  • One fencer’s arm is physically longer than the opponent’s.
  • The Length of the arm is extended at the time of contact.
  • French gripper is pommeling (holding the grip at the back).
  • The blade is aimed at a closer target than the opponent’s is aimed at.
  • All combinations of the above.

The speed in these calculations is the combined speed of the two fencers at the time of the first touch. If fencers are both approaching 5 mph, the combined speed would be 10 mph. If one approaches at 5 mph and the other retreats at 4 mph, the combined speed would be 1 mph.

It is important to realize that Length analysis alone ignores some associated side issues like losing beating strength when pommeling to gain Length. Even individual fencing style is a factor in practicability.

Speed to Length Data:


This impact speed versus Length data shows the distance the shorter Length must travel in 45 milliseconds to prevent a double touch. A slower speed makes the Length more significant.

  • At 1 mph, the shorter blade must be no more than 0.8 inches behind to prevent a double touch.
  • At 5 mph, the required distance increases to 4 inches.
  • At 10 mph, the distance required is 7.9 inches.
  • At 15 mph, the distance required is 11.9 inches.

This graph visually represents how the distance required to prevent a double touch increases with the fencers’ speed.

For example, if the fencers’ bodies were approaching at 5 mph, the shorter blade must be no more than 4 inches behind to score a double touch. At 1 mph, only if the lagging blade is less than 0.8 inches behind will a double touch be scored. Approaching at 10 mph, the shorter blade must be no more than 8 inches behind to score a double touch.

Practical Results:

  • A pommel grip can give a Length advantage of up to 4 inches.
  • An arm not fully extended at contact can be a loss of many inches.
  • Leaning forward at the time of touch can gain a few inches.
  • Fleshing can add Length, maybe 8 inches.
  • Leaning backward is a loss of length.
  • Further extending the arm at contact can add many inches.
  • Slowing down acceleration helps one use a longer length advantage.
  • Going backward at full speed at the time of the touch helps those with more Length.
  • More length and just barely touching an opponent is a plus if the speed is slow.
  • Aim for closer distances to the opponent.
  • Slower speeds or retreating at the time of contact give an advantage to Length.
  • A shorter Length can be compensated for by increasing contact speed.

A list of typical Lengths for actions is pending…

Fencing Dual Touch Timing – Preliminary

Date: June 19, 2024
Author: James Gallivan


James Gallivan’s article provides a detailed analysis of how timing and distance affect double touches in epee fencing. His background in physics shines through in his methodical approach to understanding the mechanics behind these critical moments in a match. His insights can help new and experienced fencers improve their strategies and performance on the piste.

Thank you, James, for your dedication and for sharing your knowledge with our fencing community. We invite all our readers to share their thoughts and experiences on double touches in fencing. Have you encountered similar scenarios? Do you have additional tips or strategies? Your feedback is invaluable and helps us all learn and grow together.

More on double touches:

Understanding the Double Touch

In fencing, a double touch occurs when both fencers score a hit simultaneously. While this can sometimes be unavoidable, particularly for newer or less experienced fencers, there are strategic ways to minimize its occurrence and maximize single hits.

Distance Management

Maintaining the right distance is crucial, especially when fencing against taller opponents. You can often pick at your opponent’s wrist at long distances without putting yourself at significant risk. This “distance and timing game” involves patience and waiting for the right moment to close in. For example, attacking your opponent’s front foot lifts can help you collapse the distance quickly while minimizing their ability to counter.

Feint and Bind

A common strategy suggested by seasoned fencers is to bind the opponent’s blade to create a safe path for your attack. Starting with a feint to force a reaction, followed by a binding action, can effectively neutralize your opponent’s blade. This is especially useful for shorter fencers who need to survive the distance gap before reaching a closer, more advantageous range.

Focus on Blade Actions

Incorporating blade actions into your attacks can also reduce double touches. Instead of going straight for a touch, engaging your opponent’s blade first through a parry or a beat can redirect their weapon and create an opportunity for a single hit. Practices like the opposition flèche, where you maintain blade contact while lunging, can be exceptionally effective.

Defensive Techniques

On the defensive side, emphasizing parrying and opposition rather than counterattacking can lower the chances of double touches. Controlling the engagement with your opponent’s blade makes it more challenging for them to land a simultaneous hit.

Tailoring Strategies to Height

Height differences play a crucial role in fencing dynamics. Taller fencers benefit from a longer reach but may struggle in close quarters. Conversely, shorter fencers may find maneuvering and exploiting shorter distances easier. Focus on leveraging your physical advantages, whether it’s reach, speed, or agility, to formulate a tailored approach for minimizing double touches.

Conclusion

Controlling double touches in fencing requires a blend of strategic distance management, precise blade actions, and tailored techniques based on personal and opponent’s height. By cultivating these skills, fencers can shift the focus from merely avoiding double touches to consistently achieving single hits, enhancing their overall performance and competitive edge.

Thomas Ferriere
Thomas Ferriere
Hello, I'm Thomas, a dedicated writer here and a veteran fencer at heart. Fencing isn't just my hobby, but a transformative passion for my entire family. With my wife and two kids equally immersed in this sport, we've found a unique way to bond while learning the values of discipline, focus, and determination. Through my posts, I share our journey with the hope of inspiring others to discover the joy and benefits of fencing.

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