Displacement (fencing)

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In fencing, displacement is a movement that avoids or dodges an attack.{{Cite book |last=Evangelista |first=Nick |title=The encyclopedia of the sword |date=1995 |publisher=Greenwood Press |isbn=978-0-313-27896-9 |location=Westport, Conn |pages=177 |oclc=646068745}}

Fencers commonly use displacement when attacking while not having priority. Attacking into the opponent's right-of-way is known as a counter-attack. If both fencers land, the fencer with priority, the attacker, is awarded the touch; therefore, the goal of the displacement is to hit the opponent while avoiding being hit in return. Displacement can take the form of retreating, advancing past the enemy's blade, utilising a flèche, ducking, or even stepping off the piste.