I was wondering about the effectiveness of Xing Yi in multiple attacker situations. And does the art cover this type of scenario.

I would think practicing your forms and using different directions would be good "basic training" for multiple attackers...also, some slow sparring then quicker work with your training classmates should make you feel more comfortable about using XingYi against multiple attackers.
RickU

I don't advocate fighting with goups of people, but I think XY is as capable (in the competent hands) of fending off multiple attackers as any.

Personally? I would run. No choicE? Punch your way free and run.

G'day...
Yes... XY is as capable as any MA in such respects.
The five fists all incorporate "hui shen" moves/strikes (literally "turn body") to change directions and face/attack a different opponent.
The combination forms also use numerous and varied "hui shen" moves/strikes.
Practiced over long periods, excellent flow and change of directions is possible... and this will become a natural characteristic of your movements and responses.
In competent hands, it should undoubtedly be as (or more) effective as any other MA.

The whole idea in fighting more than one person is to avoid getting trapped. In xing yi, exploit fast a fast and devestating advance to create a gap, and move through that gap. Also, remember that this is self defense, not warfare, if they give you a chance to run, take it!

Shing yi is a battle field martial art, not designed only for individual duels. On the battle field your are always engaged with multiple attackers, that is why you must defeat the enemy as quickly as possible so as to move on to the next. As I was taught all combat scenerios must be fought with at least three attackers in mind. You must defeat the closest, use their body in a shielding manner and quickly determine the escape path or the next enemy that must be defeated. Thinking one on one is a weakness just waiting to be taken advantage of. On the street, taking a person down in a submission hold, might encourage the guy you didn't see to step on your head.