as for hoplites (with 6 meter spears) charging with their spears underarm...hmmm- not sure, i think this limited the effectiveness of their spear thrusts over the wall of shields
Hoplites used spears of around 2-2.5 meters length and large shields. The phalangites used the long pikes (Sarissa) of about 6-7 meters length and smaller shields so they could use the pike in two hands.

Hoplites would use the spear overarm when in close order phalanx but underarm was also used as charging hoplites would become disordered and they had more room to fight.


CBR