What is the Straight Leg Technique for Marching?

The “Straight Leg” Technique* is used for marching bands/drum corps and could be used for a military drill team. The leg barely bends at the knee while the foot rolls from the heel to right behind the ball of the foot, the foot does not roll to the toe as in a normal marching step. The reason for this technique is to ensure the stripe down the side of the leg does not bend and the one marching looks taller the whole time.

*The knee still bends, it’s not truly a straight or stiff leg.

Image courtesy Jolesch Photography.