When we look at an exhibition drill performance, a drill team has numerous options. The best way to create an effective performance is to understand the fundamentals of design. This article looks at static presentations.
Layered Movement Design
This is the layering movement over movement or movement that is opposite other movement.
- Rifle/body work over marching. Movement over movement.
- Call-Response. The commander executes a short sequence, and the team responds with the same sequence. This is usually found in unarmed exhibition drill. (Movement opposite movement)
- A-A/A-B. See the article, What is A-A and A-B Drill? (Movement opposite movement)
Layered Visual Design
This is layering the look of the team, both statically and while moving.

A representation of the AF Drill Team at the top of the page
Visual Layering
At the top of the page is the US Air and Space Force Honor Guard Drill Team. They are in a wedge formation. There are two ways to layer when working with multiple lines:
- Low, high, and higher. In the image above, you can see how this looks with the team using a low stance, a variation of a kneeling Queen Ann Salute, and then a higher stance for some of those behind using a standing Queen Ann Salute variation.
- Windows. In the top image, the team commander, moving to Present Arms with his sword, is in the center, between the two Airmen at the “point” of the wedge.




