Circle

Coach concluded each practice with the circle drill, where one fencer at circle center would face each member of the team, one at a time and for only one touch, as they stood along the perimeter. The personality of each fencer would become most clear at this time. Annie never moved first, whether at the center or perimeter -- her game was to respond with the perfect counter-move to however her opponent attacked. DJ, on the other hand, moved aggressively, often lunging immediately, sometimes feinting first but always attacking first. Bernie would move to his opponent slowly, almost hesitantly. Butch waved his foil back and forth with anxious energy.