In a lead leg stance, sometimes stepping back with the trail leg lowers the level so that you can penetrate and shoot. there are times when because of hand fighting or situation or whatever, you can't step forward to lower you level and penetrate, so you step back with the trail leg, which is quick and efficient. it is however not as deep as stepping forward with the lead leg

oh I see. So basically you only need to backstep during certain situations but just attacking with your lead leg is often better because its deeper. Correcto?

Originally Posted by nevets

oh I see. So basically you only need to backstep during certain situations but just attacking with your lead leg is often better because its deeper. Correcto?

what i have observed watching video is that much more often than not the backstep is used

but yes, correct