4. The left knee is not sufficiently bent, which does not allow the point to be made with the force intended.
5. The body is not thrust sufficiently forward, which reduces just that much the force of the attack.
6. The point is started at too great a distance from the objective to make a hit. Practice must be conducted in making the point until the soldier knows the exact distance at which he will have to start to produce the maximum effect. This distance is between four and five feet.
During the later stages of the instruction the men should also be taught to step forward with the rear foot when delivering the point.
Being at the position of Long Point. To withdraw the bayonet. Draw the piece straight back until the right hand is well behind the hip. Immediately assume the position of Guard. If the leverage or proximity of the object transfixed with the bayonet renders it necessary, prior to the withdrawal, the left hand is slipped up close to the stacking swivel.
In the preliminary instruction all Points will be immediately followed by a withdrawal, prior to assuming the position of guard.
After the several positions hereinbefore described have been learned, the Points should be made at a definite place on a target, such as the throat, the stomach, the head, etc.
As progress is made, the pause between the point and the withdrawal is shortened until the soldier comes directly to the position of Guard from the point. Proficiency will finally be attained in making a "feint point" at one part of the target and the real point at another, for example: Feint at the head and point at the right thigh; feint at the stomach and point at the neck, etc.
Attacks at a retreating foe should be made against the kidneys, the position of which should be shown to the soldier.
If possible, the point of the bayonet should be directed against the opponents throat, especially in hand to hand fighting. The point of the bayonet will easily enter and make a fatal wound on penetrating a few inches. Other and more or less exposed parts are the face, chest, lower abdomen, thighs and the region of the kidneys when the back is turned. Four to six inches penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and allow for a quick withdrawal, whereas if a bayonet is driven home too far it is often impossible to withdraw it.