Although it is said that Yoshitsune devised this smart attack on his own, because Noriyori expanded his force and marched slowly, it would appear they made a plan to gather 500 strong soldiers led by Kanehira IMAI.
義経の独断による強襲とも言われているが、範頼軍は広く展開し、ゆっくりとした進軍をしている事から、戦上手の今井兼平率いる500余騎を範頼軍に引きつけるための作戦だったと思われる。