Drills Fundamentals &
Method Of Instruction

Drill Fundamentals

Qualities of Basic Drills

Precision: Following the timing as accurately as possible & being at the correct position that the timing calls for at the specific instance.

Sharpness: The end of the rope that remains inactive in the process of tying.

Qualities of a good Timer

Volume: Loud enough to be heard and understood by anyone following the timing.

Clarity: Timing should be clearly enunciated and understandable when given.

Sharpness: Timing should be sharp to ensure drill is executed sharply as well.

Consistency: Timing should be kept at a constant pace and should not speed up or slow down with the other qualities should be maintained.

Words of Command (WOC)

~ Parts of command and qualities of good command.

Introductory:

This part of the command typically has 2 further parts:

Identifier: refers to the group that the commander is addressing or group that the command applies to, e.g. ‘Kumpulan’ (group), ‘Kawalan Kehormatan’ (Guard of Honour), ‘Sekuad’ (Squad).
- Intended to catch the group’s attention, meaning that the identifier should be sharp
- An identifier is not compulsory in all commands, especially if a series of commands are given consecutively. An identifier is usually used after a long pause, to catch the group’s attention (as mentioned above), or when the targeted group is ambiguous (e.g. in a parade)
Rest of the command, before the cautionary and executive parts
- Gives the squad more information on the drill to be executed, meaning it should be loud and clear.

Cautionary:

It is usually dragged, to warn that the command is ending and to prepare the group to execute the drill.
The recommended duration of dragging the cautionary part is approximately 4 counts
The volume of the cautionary part should ascend briefly followed by a gradual descend
Usually the 2nd last syllable
The cautionary portion of some commands may not be at the 2nd last syllable. (e.g. Changing Steps in Quick March)
There are drills without cautionary as well. (e.g. Quick March from Quick Mark Time etc.)

Executive:

Usually the last syllable/word
Sharper and louder than the rest of the command, to capture the attention of the group.

Example:

Method of Instruction (MOI)

Introduction: Provide basic information on the drill.

e.g. Command, English translation, Purpose, Timing

Formation: Shift the participants into a position whereby everybody can see the lesson conductor/demonstrator effectively.

e.g. Straight line, Squad formation, semi-circle

Explanation: Go into detail on how the drill should be executed.

e.g. Step-by-Step & Common mistakes

Demonstration: Show the participants how the drill is done. The purpose of the demonstration can be either to give a general idea of the drill or to show the details of each step of the drill, so long as the demonstration fulfils its purpose.

e.g. Full demonstration, by-parts, demonstrations from different views (side/rear)

Practice: Get the participants to try out the drill for themselves. If there are different roles for different people in the squad (such as in dressing drills), everybody should have a chance to try out all the different roles.
Consider how best to practice such that the participants can execute the drill.

e.g. Individual practice time, By-parts, Peer checking.