There are variations of styles within high step marching.

Traditional High Step Sometimes known as “Big Ten” style or precision high step, the leg from the hip to the knee is parallel to the ground on each step, with the rest of the leg at all the way to the toe pointing straight down at 90 degree angle from the top part of the leg.  The University of Michigan uses this for its pregame and University of Southern California uses a variation of it most of the time.

Modified High Step The legs go part way up, but are not driven as high as in the Traditional High Step.

Stepping Sometimes known as Grambling Style, it was developed at traditional black colleges and universities. This style combines modified high step with a swaying motion in the upper body as well as dance moves.

Stutter Step Modified high step where that includes an extra step or kick every so many steps.  Michigan State University enters the field with a high step.

Run-ons Most high step bands also enter the field at least part of the time with an entree known as a run-on.  A run-on is a faster version of high step marching, often at 200 steps per minute or more. When a band enters the field with a run-on, the band “takes the field” and the crowd notices.