Oberhau

The descending cut is the bread and butter of the longsword. From Vom Tag the hands drive forward and down, the blade accelerates through the target line and finishes with the point threatening the opponent, not buried in the ground.

What to notice when you see one coming

• The hands rise or shift before the cut: a chambering motion.
• The line: a straight Oberhau comes down the centre; a diagonal one comes from the opponent's right shoulder toward your left side.
• The step: a committed Oberhau arrives with a passing step, so the distance closes as the cut lands.

Answers in this app: the Zornhau cuts into it, the Krumphau takes it off, Absetzen displaces it with a thrust, and stepping back can simply let it fall short so that you can follow after.