Second Practice
This is very useful in teaching the point and parry, as well as giving steadiness on the feet. Two boys are placed opposite each other, at just such a distance, that when perfectly erect they can touch the hilt of their adversary’s sword with the point of their own.
The one who gives the first point is called Front Rank (there may be a dozen in each rank, each having tried the distance to his right by extending his sword), and the one who gives first parry is called Rear Rank.
| Word of Command. | Front Rank. | Rear Rank. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guard | Hanging guard | Hanging guard | ||
| Third point | Prepare to give third point | Prepare to parry | ||
| Point | Give third point, and when parried spring back to the first position, and prepare to parry | Parry third point, and prepare to give third point | ||
| Point | Parry third point, and prepare for third point | Give third point, and prepare to parry | ||
| Point, &c. &c. | ||||
This should be continued until both are weary.
Both swordsmen should learn to do it more rapidly every time they practice. Next time of going through it, front rank and rear rank change places, as they must do in all the practices.