Foiling tactics

Fencing is the modern equivalent of sword fighting. It is an exciting sport that requires skill, balance and timing

Fencing is a sport based on the martial art of duelling.

It has been an event at the Olympics since 1896.

Three weapons are used in fencing: the foil, the epee and the sabre.

The light and flexible foil is the easiest for beginners to control.

An epee is a pointed weapon which is similar to a foil but with a heavier blade.

The sabre is much heavier and has a slightly-curved, Y-shaped blade.

Modern fencing includes both individual and team competitions.

Fencers score points by touching their opponents on their protective suits with their weapons.

In competitions like the Olympics, an accurate electronic scoring system is used to judge the performance.