The French school emphasizes delicacy of movement and accuracy of point, achieved with a minimum of force.
Footwork is light and catlike.
Guards and parries are very close, and to this end the arm in the guard position is generally more bent than in the other schools. The Italian school uses the cross-bar on its handle, permitting a firmer grip of the weapon. In addition, the pommel is usually strapped to the wrist. While this restricts somewhat the freedom of the fingers, it allows greater firmness of action. Guards and parries are wider, the arm in the guard position is three-quarters extended, footwork is heavier.