How to Hold a French Grip in Fencing

The grip of the fencing weapon and how the fencer holds it are critical components for accurate hitting. The French Grip is a straight type of grip that is often recommended for beginners because it will help new fencers build strength in their hands and develop their abilities to manipulate the points of the weapons. Learning to hold the French Grip will also make it easier to quickly learn other more advanced grips later.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing foil with French Grip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the thumb and forefinger just behind the guard on the handle, but not quite touching it.

    • 2

      Wrap your other three fingers around the handle. Hold the handle of the foil loosely, as if you were holding a bird that you did not want to escape.

    • 3

      Rotate your hand now so that the thumb is on the flat, wide side of the handle. The curve of the handle should now be in your palm.

    • 4

      Check that the end of the handle is in contact with your wrist and that your forearm and the foil form a straight line.

    • 5

      Use your thumb and forefinger to manipulate the handle, and thus the point, of the foil. Anchor the handle with your little finger. Think of using your fingers and hand in the same way that you would write or draw.