An idiom describing the positioning of the arms and legs such that Lines of Attack are minimized - for the purpose of minimizing Target Availability to the opponent(s).

Comments:

Closing the Line refers to the (re)positioning of the arms and legs for the expressed purpose of minimizing (or nullifying) Lines of Attack to targets.  Usually, this refers to some form of Covering (Checking) , but does not expressly exclude the repositioning of the body, along with the arms and legs.

Closing the Line is a trade off between Defensibility and Availability.  Too much Closing the Line can also minimize your Weapon Availability.  Too little Closing the Line can increase Target Availability for the opponent.

Close the Line differs from Close the Gate, in that Close the Line typically refers to repositioning of the arms and legs.

Example(s):

Anchoring an elbow to cover the ribs, demonstrates Closing the Line.

Opposite(s):

Availability of Target, Prone Position

Reverse(s):

Open the Line

Related Definition(s):

Anchor, Anticipate, Check, Defense, Degree, Deliver, Depth, Dimension, Guard, Hide, Height, Horse, Maneuver, Move, Neutralize, Nullify, Obscure, Passive, Position, Posture, Side, Stance, Target, Width, Zone

Related Term(s):

Angle of Greatest Movement, Angle of Mobility, Angle of Protection, Area Check, Area Cover, Availability of Weapon, Available, Body Alignment, Body Maneuver, Close the Gate, Collapsible Deflection, Collapsing Check, Constipated, Cover, Depth Zone, Dimensional Zone, Economy of Motion, Fighting Position, Height Zone, Line of Attack, Line of Sight, Neutral Zone of Defense, Open the Gate, Open the Line, Position of Readiness, Positional Check, Positional Cover, Positioned Block, Proportional Dimension, Protective Measure, Target Availability, Target Placement, Vital Area, Vital Target, Weapon Availability, Width Zone, Zone of Protection