Lots of scenarios end up having at least one line fight in them. Line fights are where the two opposing groups line up to block, or fight each other. This lesson is going over how to fight effective in that line with your allies. This takes time to learn how to fight with others.
Points of safety
Be aware of your surroundings, and opponents. You now aren’t just fighting one opponent, you are fighting three opponents. Be save with your movements, and don’t start just swinging your sword around. Move it with purpose.
- You’re Fighting More People: On the line, you are in the middle of large groups of fencers and so a lot is going on. Your area of awareness needs to be wider.
- Hacking Vs Defending: Hacking at your opponent’s blade with unnecessary force is dangerous and is not the same as tapping or taking the opponent’s blades to keep them busy.
General Points
When Fighting in a line fight you are paying attention to the person directly opposite of you, and the person to each of their sides. All three opponents can kill you, but you also have your teammates to either side helping defend you. Keep together in a line with your allies. If you go forwards, you are making yourself the target where your allies can’t help defend you. If you go backwards, you are leaving your allies open to be attacked.
Listening to your commander is also important. The commander is keeping an eye on the bigger fight as a whole, and will be directing what needs to happen.
Knowing how you fit in to the Line fight is important as well. Maybe you are shorter, and can’t reach the opponents. That is perfectly ok. When your opponents go for a strike, attack their hands that are now in range for you. You can focus on taking blades and being defensive. This frees up the longswords, or the taller fencers to be able to focus on attacking. A lot of fencers feel like they aren’t good line fighters since they aren’t getting kills. Kills are not what is the most important thing.
- Listen to your Commander: The commander is overseeing the fight as a whole and should have direct instructions to achieve the team’s goal. Pay attention and be prepared to promptly implement their commands.
- Watch for Cowboys and Wavy Lines: A strong line is one that works as a whole unit. Cowboys and wavy lines present weak points that can destroy a line from within.
- Understand How You Fit In: Try to understand your role within the line and what position you fill. Your commander will have some ideas but work to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Are you a striker? Do you defend? Are you a flank? Do you take blades? Etc…
Training Ideas
- Getting in formation and fighting: The best way of learning is by doing. Get in the formation and fight.
- Adjusting line: Learn to adjust spacing as the fight goes on as people die and make a gap in the line, and when people join the line making parts of the line denser.
- Learn the basic commands: Learn to listen to the commands from the commander. i.e. Address the line, advance to combat, flanking, push, etc.
Assessment
- Line Fighting Safety: The Fencer should be able to watch multiple opponents, and the terrain keeping everyone safe. They should also know how to effectively take blades.
- Line Fighting Basics: The fencer should know what Cowboying is, and not to do it. They should be able to address the line as the fight continues, especially when the command is given. They should know how to take blades and shots as appropriate. The fencer should also know the basic commands and a general idea of what each means.
- Line Fighting Training: Get in line fights and work together. The more you fight in the line, the better you will get.
