Volta

This technique begins from a crossing at the points (sword tips engaged). When you find yourself crossed at the points with your opponent, immediately turn your sword to the other side and strike with a descending cut to their head or arms. Alternatively, thrust the point into their face. The key action is the quick switch of your sword from one side to the other after the initial crossing, creating an opening for either a cut or a thrust.

When I am crossed at the point of the sword, I quickly turn my blade; this is my reward. I strike from the other side with a downward blow, through head and arms, my fendente will go. Or instead, if I choose, I place my point in your face. From crossing at tips, I've won this exchange with grace.

Wide play (zogo largo) at the initial engagement when swords meet at the points. This is a counter-action to use when you find yourself crossed at the tips rather than in a deeper bind. The technique exploits the opponent's sword's momentary commitment to a single line by rapidly switching to an attack from the opposite side. Suitable for the opening phases of combat when testing measures and seeking an advantage from first contact.

• ✦ Practice the 'volta' or switch as a rapid wrist/forearm rotation rather than a large arm movement. Speed is emphasised in all sources
• ✦ The crossing at points should be recognised as a specific measure: tips engaged but not deep in the bind
• ✦ Train both options: the descending cut targets the head and arms (multiple targets), while the thrust goes specifically to the face
• ✦ The turn creates an opening because the opponent's sword is committed to the original line of engagement
• ✦ Footwork is not specified in the text, but the switch likely coordinates with a small pass or weight shift
• ✦ The technique assumes a wide play measure (zogo largo) where the crossing at points is the initial contact