A short step in which the rear foot closes up behind the front foot before the front foot moves on, so the lead foot stays the same.
The gathering step adjusts the measure by a hand's breadth or two without committing the body: it keeps the lead foot, the balance and the ability to step again in any direction. Its reach is short, so from the edge of measure it does not deliver a cut; that needs the . Fencers use gathering steps to creep into measure, to make a thrust from a guard that already points at the opponent, and to withdraw a little without turning the hips.
Your familiarity
Sources and interpretation
- Joachim Meyer (1570) interpretive The German name for this step varies between modern schools; Nachschritt ("following step") and Zugeschritt are both used, and the sources describe the movement rather than naming it.