Progression usually refers to vertical progression; either vertical uphill progression (vertical upward) or vertical downhill progression (vertical downward). However, progression can also be used to indicate whether an electrode lead or lag angle is employed for the other welding positions, in which case the welder is using either forehand progression or backhand progression.

A welder welding with E7024 (Jet rod) drags the rod along the joint. That is an example of “backhand progression”. The electrode or torch points in the direction from which the welder came.

A welder performing manual GTAW points the torch in the direction of travel, i.e., it is directed in the direction of travel. That is an example of forehand progression.

When the welder is welding vertical uphill and the electrode points slightly upward, the forehand technique or progression is being employed. If the welder is using vertical downhill progression and the electrode still points slightly upward, i.e., the welder is dragging the electrode downward, the backhand technique or progression is being used. However, vertical being a “special” case, we typically do not use the terms forehand or backhand progression, instead we say uphill or downhill progression is being used.

"Left to right" or "right to left" or "alternate directions" is not what should be entered in the space for progression.

Best regards – Al