narrative

Barlow took the opposite attitude, saying that if someone knocked
him down, he would get up and knock them down. I said I would
take the middle course or action which had worked for me on
several occasions. If someone has taken a swing at me, or is
advancing to do so, I use the same procedure a football player
uses when he's carrying the ball, extending the heel of the hand to
fend off interference, with the ball tucked under one arm. This is a
form of defence less likely than a blow with the fist to enrage your
opponent to further attack. At least he is puched off balance.