This is another very nice video from Jesse Enkamp, where he explains distance and timing in terms of the three methods of taking, or seizing the initiative.

Albeit that this clip is Karate based, these strategies are universally applicable (including within the advanced levels of Ryōi Shintō-ryū) and would probably have initially developed from swordsmanship.

後の先 'Go no sen' = attack (respond) after the opponent's attack - can be at a disengaged distance.

先の先 'Sen no sen' = attack at the same time as your opponent attacks you, or attack the attack (so, you may need to be faster than your opponent) - can be at an intermediate distance.

(先 Sen) 先々の先 'Sen sen no sen' - to seize the initiative by anticipating and pre-empting your opponent's attack - at a close distance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLISTFO4rG4