Displacement (fencing)

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Displacement in fencing is moving to avoid an opponent’s attack while still trying to land your own hit. It’s often used when you don’t have priority. A counter-attack is attacking into the opponent’s right of way. If both fencers land, the fencer with priority—the attacker—gets the touch. The goal of displacement is to hit first while staying safe. Displacement can take several forms: retreating, moving past the opponent’s blade, using a flèche, ducking, or stepping off the piste.