Overhand vs Underhand

[abou]

What are the specific advantages and disadvantages inherent in the overhand spear style compared to the underhand in infantry. Is it simply quickness of the strike compared to length or is there more? Is it something such as shield types that affect the choice between the schools of use? I know there was some discussion about cavalry, but I don't remember any about infantry.

[paullus]

There have been several debates over this in previous postings, you should be able to locate several with the search function. They basically came down to amateur reports of how much power people thought they could get in either position, musings about exposure to danger in either position, and references to various artistic representions from the ancient world depicting one or the other posture.

And I think you're closer with the quickness/power than with the shield design or anything else. Shock troops were most likely to use the overhand, if that's any indication. Peace.

[Avicenna]

Fatigue, reach, control and defence are the main differences.