All the attacks can be preceded by an advance. When so done, the
movement should be covered with a beat either under or over the
adversary’s blade, to prevent a stop thrust being given. The beat should
be made very closely with the thumb and forefinger, and both it and the
feint should be done while advancing, and the cut or thrust given with
the longe.[3]
Footnote 3:
The beat may also be used with great advantage in attacks not preceded
by an advance. It should be made when a counter is expected, which it
would most probably prevent, and should occasionally be used to check
the adversary’s parry.
In the advance and longe the right foot moves twice and the left once.
They should move as quickly as it is possible to count “One, two,
three.”
A short man ought to use this method of attack when opposed to a tall
man, as otherwise he cannot reach him. He should advance very rapidly,
with short steps, and be prepared to parry as he goes forward should his
beat be deceived.
A tall man ought seldom or never to advance when attacking.