Coaching Epee Level One 02 The grip

[@alextea3222]

The point of a pommel handle is to have extra reach to be able to be a more aggressive fencer, so you can score easier with the correct tactics. A pistol grip is better for fencers who are more focused on defensive maneuvers that carry on to an attack. I am a pommel grip fencer rather than a pistol grip fencer as I focus more on attacks rather then moving away into a block. I use the extended pommel grip to have an extra reach to be able to score easily using my favorite tactic; parry four to a lunge at my opposers’ knee. If you disagree, explain why in detail.

[@sukhamritsingh3420]

Go have some water

[@Lion718]

I want to parry four and lung at your FACE

[@VisionsOfSpy]

Well not necessarily. Sure it's one of the biggest advantages but it also gives you better blade control, more versatile movement and it makes it easier to aim for the arms and legs due to the aforementioned better blade control and versatility. Yes, the French grip's reach advantage is one of its biggest draws but posting/pommelling is not the only way to use it and many top level French grip users will switch the way they hold it throughout a bout depending on what they need in that moment, because again, it's a versatile style.