Ricocheting lance tips have always been a dangerous part of our sport. For this reason, we must all do what we can to minimize this danger.
More than ever before, I am teaching jousting students how to relax their grip on the lance after impact. I would much rather see a hard hit placed in the center of the shield and a split second after impact slide back to some degree, than a lance tip ricochet off the shield in some direction. To me, the best of both worlds is for the lance to hit the shield with impact after which the lance slides back as a shock absorber. When learning how to joust, this split second timing release should be learned right along with everything else.
When your opponent is not presenting a safe target or for some reason it is not safe to hit it, remember to quickly bring your lance tip up and off to your right. This deserves one or more points for using good safety judgment and this course will be repeated.
James Zoppe
Founder and Director
American Jousting Alliance