For what it's worth, I used spear all the way from novice to expert with great results. Thrust fully, immediately follow with dash, and keep the reticule over where your target will be by the end of your thrust. Practice thrusting plates and cups off of tables. Pugilism is also good practice. Move around and watch your footwork... You can get to the point where you'll dome-shot an enemy effortlessly. It's a devastating attack with an incredibly quick windup, the ability to "drag" around shields, and of course, unparalleled control. I've been able to consistently get kills by targeting just the feet, or just the lower abdomen. The only time I swung around was to create distance for more of the ol' in and out, in and out.