As with any sport, it takes a good deal of practice and dedication to master and perfect baton twirling tricks and techniques. No baton twirler is born with the innate ability to perform a perfect spinner or toss! Here are a few of the basic techniques you’ll need to master before moving on to more advanced baton twirling.

First things first: how you hold your baton is fundamental to your success as a twirler. Familiarize yourself with your baton and determine which end is the head and which is the foot. Generally, the head will be slightly bigger and flatter than the foot. Hold your baton in the palm of your hand, with your palm facing downward. Your baton should rest straight out in front of you, horizontally, with the baton’s head pointed toward you. This is a basic baton holding technique.

From there, move on to your basic horizontal figure 8 technique. Starting from the previously discussed holding position, draw an invisible figure 8 shape in front of you using the head of the baton, with two circles in total. Your first circle will go clockwise, and the second one will be reversed. With practice, this motion will become fluid--not jumpy--and will look like one continuous motion. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t get it right away! You need to give your arm muscles time to adjust and remember this movement.

For the vertical figure 8 technique, your basic hold will change slightly. Keep the same baton position from the first technique, but use only your thumb and fingers to grip. Moving only your wrist, create both loops of the figure 8 shape simultaneously, using the head for the top circle and the toe for the bottom.

As you become more comfortable with these figure 8 techniques, increase your speed and try changing hands! With practice and dedication, you’ll be a master baton twirler in no time. Every baton twirler needs to start with the best equipment they can find. For high-quality baton gear, visit our online store today.

Posted: 6/9/2014