The valid target at foil is the trunk, the upper limit being the collar; at the sides to the seams of the sleeves; and the lower limit following a horizontal line across the back joining the tops of the hip bones, thence by straight lines to the junction of the lines of the groin (see Rules: The Target at Foil).

Extension of the valid target
It is forbidden to protect the target area or to substitute another part of the body for the target area, either by covering (e.g. with the non-sword hand or arm) or by an abnormal movement. Hence, hits which arrive off the target are counted as valid whenever, by reason of an abnormal position, the fencer has substituted this non-valid target for the valid target.

Displacing the target and ducking are allowed even if during the action the unarmed hand comes into contact with the piste but note that it is forbidden to turn one’s back on one’s opponent during the bout and it is forbidden to advance the shoulder of the non-sword arm in front of the shoulder of the sword arm (see Foil: Offences).