Noodle Fencing: Point in Line to Stop the Attack

Students practice point in line: arm straight and point threatening the target before the opponent starts their attack, which forces the attacker to clear the blade first. It shows right of way as a dialogue between attacker and defender.

How to play

1. Explain: if my point is in line before you attack, you must move my blade aside (beat or deflect); if you attack without doing so and we both hit, the touch is mine (4 min).
2. Pairs: the defender sets point in line with a straight arm; the attacker practices clearing it with a beat and hitting; 8 tries and switch (6 min).
3. Decision game: the defender chooses point in line or waiting in guard; the attacker decides whether to beat first or attack straight (6 min).
4. Bouts to 5 with an observer: the observer logs every time someone attacks into a point in line without clearing it (6 min).
5. Share sheets and borderline situations (3 min).

Rules

• Point in line is held at distance: never walk forward with it toward the opponent's face.
• Touches only to the torso.
• If the arm bends or pulls back, the line loses priority.
• The director's call stands.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: the student holds the line from the chair and the partner adjusts attack distance.
• Hearing impairment: the director uses agreed signals to award touches (arm toward the side that scores).
• Shoulder injury: act as observer or fence with the healthy arm less extended.

Learning goals

• Recognize point in line and its right of way.
• Solve an attack against a line by clearing the blade.
• Judge double-touch situations with sound criteria.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pool noodles: 30
• cones: 20
• observation sheets: 15

Teacher tip

Explain that this applies in foil and sabre; épée has no right of way and the first hit wins. The usual mistake is setting the line after the attack has already started, which gives no priority.

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