Which hand is better to the front? I'm a fencer so I think I put my right arm forward. I am right handed and I lead stronger from the right side when I move and thrust with the spear, but am I at a disadvantage? The left hand has to bring the shaft up when I have to defend with it, and being the weaker hand, it doesn't move quick enough or strong enough.
I see most spearmen lead with the left hand/foot forward. With the dominant hand in the back, is this a better thrusting position or better for defence when have to block with the shaft? I know the ancient spearmen who carried a shield would obviously fight left side forward to put the shield in play. Greeks used their shields with a neck strap so that they could still control the shield or hold it in position when they put their left arm through the porpax (center grip) to grab the spear with two hands. Dark age Germanic types would either fight one handed spear or sling the shield over their back (with a neck strap)
Overhand grip or underhand grip? The overhand grip I believe gives more power to the thrust, but its on a high angle of attack, what is the overhand grip good for? Pinning a shield against its user? If I were taller I could see thrusting down into the chest or down to a leg. Underhand you pretty much have to go for the feet, or pin the shield against the user. Or I guess you could hit a side of the shield to try and pop it over to expose the shieldman to a second fighter's follow up (teamwork)
Maybe I should just watch Grumio's spear video on you tube.
Konradr