Basic Corrections Officer Certification Practice 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A vertical angle of attack in knife defense refers to movements where the knife is aimed and driven in a high-to-low direction, typically targeting the opponent from above downwards. This angle of attack is often more effective because it creates an element of surprise and allows for greater force application towards the opponent.

In the context of self-defense, employing vertical attacks can help distract or destabilize the aggressor, making it more challenging for them to respond effectively. The way the knife moves downwards can also accommodate follow-up actions, leveraging the momentum gained during the thrust.

Given the choice of other options, they each describe different angles or directions of attack that may not embody the true essence of a vertical attack. Diagonal movements, while also potentially effective, lack the direct downward force of a vertical approach, and the thrust angle described as high would not convey the same downward momentum as the option that correctly identifies vertical as an action from high to low.