After reading this thread in Armour Archive, I started thinking about the different techniques in teaching a new fighter basic attacks. A couple of things that really stood out were the 50(!) some odd shots that one person listed and a couple of others that broke it down into four simple categories:
1) Slash
2) Punch
3) Wrap
4) Thrust
and
1) Forehand (like in tennis)
2) Backhand
3) Wrap
4) Thrust
I learned and continue to teach using numbered angles:
#1--to opponent's left shoulder
#2--to opponent's right shoulder
#3--to opponent's left side
#4--to opponent's right side
#5--to opponent's left leg
#6--to opponent's right leg
with wraps and thrusts introduced later.
How did you learn and what do you consider the most effective way to introduce shots to a new fighter? One thing I should clarify is that this is intended to be in a learning environment away from the normal melee practice.