Baton twirling requires excellent hand-eye coordination, strength, flexibility, timing and creativity. Accomplished twirlers with a solid routine that incorporates dance, gymnastics and a variety of twirling tricks have success when trying out for school drill teams. Whether your goal is to be part of a team, march in a parade or pursue competition, start with the basics.
Finger Twirl
For this trick, hold the baton horizontally with your index finger wrapped around the middle of the shaft. Your palm faces up and the other three fingers are curled back into your palm. With the strength of your index finger, start the baton rotating counter-clockwise. As it starts to reach a vertical position, extend your middle finger so the baton is between your index and middle finger. As it continues to rotate to a horizontal position, curl your index finger back into your palm and allow the baton to roll into your middle finger. The baton continues to a vertical position between your middle and ring finger. As it rotates to a horizontal position, your middle curls back and the baton rolls into your ring finger. Rotate the baton to a vertical position between your ring and little finger. With the final rotation, the baton rolls into your little finger. Reverse the steps to complete one finger twirl.
Elbow Roll
To perform this trick, bend your left elbow and hold your arm, shoulder high, in front of your body. Position your hand under your chin with your palm facing down. Your right hand holds the baton near the toe end, or the smaller end. Swing the baton under and around the outside of your elbow and release you right hand. The baton's momentum will cause it to rotate clockwise and lie flat across the top of your bent arm. As it continues its momentum, it will start to fall off your arm head first. Catch the baton with your right hand to complete the trick.
Leg Toss
For this trick, hold the baton at the toe end with your right hand. Extend your right arm straight out, shoulder high, to the right side of your body with the baton parallel to the ground. Bend your left leg and transfer your weight onto your right leg. Keep your left toe in contact with the ground for balance. Swing the baton down and under the thigh of your left leg. When your hand reaches your leg, flip the baton upward and release it from your hand. The momentum will cause the baton to move up and over your leg to your right. Catch the baton with your right hand, palm facing up.
Thumb Throw toss
Hold the baton horizontally in the middle of the shaft with your right hand. The head end is to the left, your palm faces down, and your thumb rests along the shaft pointing to the head. Keep your elbow bent, close to your body and rotate the baton clockwise 180 degrees ending with your palm facing up. Allow the baton to rotate another 90 degrees to where it is vertical. Hold it between your thumb and index finger. Point your thumb forward and curl your fingers into your palm to allow the baton to continue its momentum and rotate around and over your thumb. As it reaches the top of your thumb, give it an upward lift with your hand. Leave your right hand out in front of your body with your palm facing forward and your fingers pointing up. Grab the baton as it drops back down in front of your body.
