Return

The return is the riposte made immediately after a cut or thrust has been parried.

Hutton says that the perfect return doesn't require a movement of the lead foot, but rather cuts the opponent before he can recover from his failed attack, while he is in an extended position.

If he does manage to retire in time, however, the return should be followed with a lunge and performed as he attempts to recover to guard.

The image below shows a return from High Octave made without moving the lead foot; notice there can still be an accompanying lean of the body into the movement to increase reach.