Editing Drum and bugle corps (modern) (section)

=== Marching technique ===
As visual programs have increased in complexity, corps have developed and formalized various movement techniques, the goal of each being the achievement of fluid, consistent movements that allow for precise musical technique at all tempos, step sizes, and directions.  Given that instrument-wielding members most often face toward the audience (for maximum sound projection), marching technique must not affect the rigidity of members' upper torsos. Although most horn players are able to follow this technique, members of the battery must keep their entire bodies facing forward at all times due to the nature of their equipment. This has led to the invention of the "crab walk" or oblique, where the legs cross over one another to facilitate sideways motion; the technique is used mostly by battery, but in rare instances by the hornline. Being visually oriented, guard members are not as bound to facing the front sideline, and may face any direction at any time as dictated by choreography.

The most common backward marching technique requires balancing on one's platform (visually seen as the 'toes' and keeping the heels off the ground), which is especially effective at faster tempos. The reverse the heel&ndash;toe roll step, allowing for heel&ndash;ground contact is another technique used, most often at slower tempos. As an alternative, there are four major groups which utilize a bent leg technique ([[Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps|Santa Clara Vanguard]], [[Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps|Madison Scouts]], [[Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps|Pacific Crest]], and Guardians), in which the feet come off of the ground and move in a bicycle type motion.

Marching technique programs have largely been inspired by [[dance]] technique. Terminology from [[ballet]] and high school band is used to describe foot placement and positioning, and members of the color guard and hornline often ''[[jazz run]]'' in order to maintain upper body stability when moving at fast tempos with large step sizes.