Where are you?

There are many mechanisms at varying levels that make each Aikido technique "work."  Most mechanisms depend on the skill of the practitioner and their body type.  One of those variables is positioning.  Positioning can be defined as the place in reference to your opponent where one is supposed to be at the appropriate time.  One's positioning will dictate what to do and how to do it. How does one get into the proper position?  Footwork.  Footwork is the basis for all positioning.  Without footwork it would be impossible to get into the right position.