June 2008 [9]

The Balestra

By Definition; A ballistic forward hop / jump, usually preceding an attack

Intent: Surprise and speed to catch the opponent unprepared or unawares. Faster than a step forward and more controlled than a jump, the acceleration gained by a balestra ensures a faster lunge or fleche

Practice: Move each foot independently, start with the front toe, lift foot up and down in quick motion ‘slapping’ the foot flat on the floor, the back foot jumps forward in the force used to bring the front foot down 

Tip: Practice both left and right handed, which improves coordination, the shorter the balestra the faster the lunge follows.  For a right hander lift front toes up and down then whole foot and then slap it down on the floor.  Practice  jumping forward with the back foot, then both at the same time.