The direct step

[riptailedroarer]

Does any use "the Direct step"?
At the begining of both Casy and Hardee they decribe the Direct Step which is differant to the heel and toe of modern use. From what is described it seems like the slow march ( in form not pace) of the modern British Army, or the step used in the Napolionic period.
So do units out there use and teach it, is difficult to learn and is it tiring to use?

[Hank Trent]

Re: The direct step

which is differant to the heel and toe of modern use.

Is that a step where the heel strikes first, then you roll forward to the toe, in contrast to Hardee: "plant flat the left foot, without shock"?

If so, it sounds like one result of Hardee's instructions is to minimize the risk of shin splints.

A google for "shin splints" and "heel strike" brings up lots of hits. One example is a modern article on avoiding shin splints while running, which addresses the problem of a heel-strike footfall, and how to avoid it. From http://www.chirunning.com/shop/pages...geid=18&id=183

To reduce the amount of shock to your legs it is important to eliminate any heel strike while running... ChiRunning offers a way to eliminate heel strike by leaning forward from your ankles as you run, thereby allowing your foot to strike underneath or even slightly behind your body. This allows you to land on your mid-foot and your legs to swing to the rear as soon as your feet hit the ground, eliminating any heel strike.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Hargis, G. 5 A-1]

Re: The direct step

"the Direct step" So do units out there use and teach it, is difficult to learn and is it tiring to use?

Hard to learn? Nope.
We teach it at the same time fresh fish are schooled to take the 28" step. (You know, measure of 28 feet and march it in 12 paces, over and over and over and over ...)

Tiring to use? Double nope.
This kinder, gentler marching is much easier on your body than the stomping about that passes for martial bearing in some quarters. (On any hard surface - brick for instance - the proper direct step cuts WAY, WAY back on heel plate skating.)