"doratismos": repeated, rapid spear thrusts in order to disrupt the enemy formation. the use of long spears would keep enemies apart as well as allow men in a row to assist their comrades next to them. the prodding could also open up a man to allow a comrade to spear him. too hard prodding could get a spear stuck in a shield, which would necessitate someone in the back to lend his to the now-disarmed man.