Prime power in the infantry had shifted from pike to shot more than thirty years prior to this battle. First, the musket due its penetrating power supplanted the weaker arquebus and caliver. Then, battlefield tactics sought to make the most effective use of shot – effective as in the most bullets fired into the enemy in the shortest span of time. The Dutch set an important benchmark with the introduction of coordinated files of musketeers firing and countermarching. As part of their tercio formation, Tilly and his command made successful use of that method.

The only known diagram of the Swedish Brigade drawn during the lifetime of King Gustavus Adolphus.  This shows 12 cannons whereas other sources have the total as nine. Provided by Daniel Staberg, who holds the rights to reproduce this.

King Gustavus Adolphus took bullet-delivery efficiency up another great step with the salvé. To present the salvé – plus enhance infantry response to changing battlefield conditions – the king and his officers developed the Swedish Brigade (consisting of three or four battalions). When moving about the field, the Brigade looked from above like what may roughly be described as a flattened triangle. A division of pike was in front to receive and repel cavalry, with more behind them. The Brigade presented a broad and dynamic front that could quickly change its shape to give its salvé. For combat, this configuration allowed musketeers to form a six-deep line to be the entire front of their unit, with five-deep pike behind in support, then more musketeers in reserve - watch the animation below. It could also turn adeptly or shift to one side or another. Last, a brigade could also have support from a small contingent of cavalry attached to it. Contrast to the bulky tercio of the Imperial-Leaguists.