Sparring Games: Alternate Target Objectives

Feeling stuck in your sparring routine? Sometimes regular free sparring becomes stale, or you find yourself relying on the same patterns repeatedly. Changing your objectives can reinvigorate your training and develop specific skills you might otherwise neglect.

These games establish specific targets or sequences rather than simply aiming for fight-ending strikes. Many can be played secretly within regular sparring - your partner doesn’t need to know you’re playing a game. Targets range from broad areas like “left arm” to precise locations like “right eye,” and the games work at any sparring speed.

Six Sparring Games

Called Shot

Select one specific target as your sole objective. You may reveal it to your opponent or keep it hidden.

This forces you to create openings for a particular attack rather than taking whatever is available. If you’ve chosen “right wrist,” you’ll need to invite attacks, create angles, and recognize opportunities that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

Sequence

Pick three targets in a specific order - for example, “right arm, head, left leg” - and strike them sequentially.

This develops multi-intention actions and maintains offense after successful strikes. Many fencers land one good hit and then disengage; this game trains you to think in combinations and capitalize on the disruption your first strike creates.

Double Tap

A strike only counts after hitting the same target twice.

This forces strategic focus and continuity. You can’t win by scattershot attacks; you must commit to a target and find ways to return to it even after your opponent responds to the first touch.

Secret Vulnerability

Your partner has one unknown vulnerable target. Through elimination, identify and strike it while your opponent defends it specifically.

This develops your ability to read defensive priorities. Watch what they protect, notice what they leave open, and deduce the hidden target through their behavior.

Tempo Target

Strike a specific target only during particular opponent actions: attacking, recovering from a parry, preparing an attack, or stepping into range without attacking.

This sharpens your awareness of timing and tactical moments. Instead of looking for openings in space, you’re looking for openings in time.

Technique Target

Hit a designated target using a specific technique - whether a counter-cut, void, or grapple - rather than just striking anywhere.

This forces you to create situations where your chosen technique becomes viable. If you need to land a disarm, you’ll have to set up the conditions that make disarms possible.

Making It Work

These games can be played solo (with only you knowing the objective) or collaboratively with your partner. Start simple - Called Shot is the easiest entry point - and add complexity as the format becomes comfortable.

The goal isn’t to win the game. It’s to develop specific skills by constraining your options and forcing creative problem-solving.