Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic baton strikes?

• A. Downward
• B. Upward
• C. Horizontal
• D. Forward

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that four basic baton strikes are defined by the directions of the strike: downward, upward, horizontal, and backward. These cover the primary arcs and planes officers train to deliver safe, effective blows while maintaining control and proper mechanics. Forward is not counted among these core strikes because it’s typically treated as a thrust or extension rather than one of the standard arc-based directions. In practice, a forward motion can be used, but it’s not classified as one of the four basic strike directions, whereas the other three directions and the backward strike are.