Bounce or Step?

How Elite Fencers Choose Between Traditional Stepping and Modern Bouncing

Sept 22, 2025 | FencingBuddies Team | 5 min read

Footwork is the foundation of fencing — but what happens when tradition meets evolution? A new study in the Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance has sparked debate by comparing two styles of movement in elite épée: traditional stepping and modern bouncing.

Stepping vs. Bouncing: What's the Difference?

Stepping

Advancing with a heel-to-toe motion, each foot moving independently, feet spacing changing as you go.

  • Stable and precise
  • Rooted in fencing tradition
  • Independent foot movement
Bouncing

Moving from the balls of the feet, heels barely touching the piste, legs pushing off together.

  • Agile and quick
  • Energy-efficient
  • Spring-loaded motion
Biomechanical Insight: Researchers suggest bouncing may tap into the stretch-shortening cycle of the Achilles tendon — the same biomechanical trick that makes taekwondo fighters so explosive.
Medal Paradox: 66.7% of medalists bounced — but gold medals were more often won by steppers. So bouncing may open more opportunities, but stepping might deliver the decisive touches when it matters most.

What This Means for Coaches and Fencers

The takeaway isn't to choose one style over the other. Instead:

Train Both

Bouncing can keep you light, probing, and ready to explode.

Rely on Stepping for Precision

In gold-medal moments, stability and accuracy often decide the bout.

Adapt to the Situation

Use bounce to test distance and rhythm; step when it's time for the final attack.

Key Insight: Flexibility in footwork equals flexibility in strategy.

Why This Matters for Young Fencers

For youth athletes (and their parents watching closely):

  • Don't get locked into one style
  • Encourage experimenting with both in practice
  • Let natural strengths guide which style becomes your "go-to"
  • Footwork is evolving — adapt and grow

Like every other part of fencing, footwork is evolving. The best fencers of tomorrow will be those who can bounce and step with equal confidence.

Final Thought

Every bout is a puzzle. Sometimes the answer is quick, springy movement; sometimes it's rock-solid precision. The real secret? Having both tools in your kit — and knowing when to use them.