I kind of learned about it from a detailer. You’d have to be a midget to not reach
Put a little step stool on side of car. I had to use a step stool when polishing my X and every time I washed it.
You don’t have to use an orbital, but sure makes it easy. Orbital does give you a little more reach too. I buff out little scuffs all the the time. It’s pretty hard to mess this up. Most common issue is you spatter it all over the place. I put it in the pad and smear it on the windshield before I start it. Start it on slower speed until you get better at it. It’s harder to drive than buff your windshield.