| The Mental and Physical Benefits of Twirling Baton |
| Posted: 4/17/2013 |
Baton is a sport for females and males of all ages. This sport requires that the twirler use both sides of their brain, which contributes to many mental and physical benefits. On a physical level, using the left and right side of the brain is called ambidexterity. Being able to use the left side of your body just as well as the right aids in overall coordination and strength. On a mental level, baton twirling promotes bilateral thinking, which can contribute to being able to learn information at a faster rate. Also, when there is a level of communication between the left and right side of the brain, this type of thinking process makes for an overall rise in intelligence.
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| Tips for Tambourine Beginners |
| Posted: 2/13/2013 |
Planning to join your church’s praise team or choir? If you are, you may need to learn how to play tambourine. The tambourine is a percussion instrument that can be traced back to most ancient civilizations. Learning the basics of the tambourine isn’t difficult, and it can add a great percussion flair to any worship music. Here are some tips for tambourine beginners:
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| Perfecting Your Figure 8s |
| Posted: 1/18/2013 |
There are certain basic twirls that every baton twirler should be familiar with, whether you are a beginner or an advanced twirler. The Figure 8 (both horizontal and vertical) is a basic baton twirling trick that many more advanced twirling tricks build from. Below is an easy-to-understand description of how to execute these twirls:
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| Why Start Twirling? |
| Posted: 11/9/2012 |
Baton twirling is more than just a sport. Twirling is also an art requiring beauty and style.
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| Helpful Stretches for Baton Twirlers |
| Posted: 10/8/2012 |
Flexibility is key for baton twirlers so that they can execute certain skills in their routines. Here are just a few examples of stretches you can do as a baton twirler to increase your flexibility:
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| Building Flexibility: 101 |
| Posted: 10/4/2012 |
The sport of baton twirling requires flexibility in order to successfully execute moves in your baton twirling routine. You can’t become flexible overnight, but with patience and time, you will soon become limber. Stretching not only helps you to be able to perform skills in your routine, but also it prevents muscle injury from over-exertion.
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| How to Choose the Right Ball and Tip for your Baton |
| Posted: 9/4/2012 |
Just as important as the shaft, the ball and tip (the white rubber ends) of your baton makes the difference when choosing the right baton. Today, a wide variety of shapes and sizes give baton twirlers many options to choose from.
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| Tips for Twirling a Flaming Baton |
| Posted: 7/11/2012 |
You’ve more than likely seen baton twirling during a football half-time show, a parade, or in a marching band. It’s fun to practice and it’s especially fun to watch. If you’re a baton twirler and want to bring you’re your skill to the next level, a challenging and unique skill to learn is how to twirl a flaming baton. When done properly, it is a magnificent show and an all-around crowd pleaser. But how is it done?
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| Tips for Your X-Strut Routine |
| Posted: 6/14/2012 |
The X-Strut is a competitive event at baton twirling competitions and is almost always included in the major pageant of the competition. The X-Strut is performed in an elegant costume and in front of a judge, who evaluates the twirler on overall appearance, posture, grace, technique, baton handling, precision, and timing.
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| Baton Twirling Tricks |
| Posted: 5/14/2012 |
Baton twirling is a fun and creative sport. What sets good twirlers from great twirlers is how creative they can get during their performances. Here are instructions for two tricks to incorporate into your next performance to give you a creative edge:
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| What to Wear to Baton Practice |
| Posted: 5/9/2012 |
Just like any other sport, baton twirling requires practice and hard work. To make your baton practice most effective, it is important to dress in the proper attire. First, wear something that you feel comfortable exercising in, such as a tank top and Soffe shorts. Clothes like these will allow you to move throughout your full range of motion, unlike jeans, which will restrict your movement.
If you have long hair, it is best to pull it up into a ponytail or bun so that it does not get in your face while you are practicing your baton routine. Remember to make sure your hair is pulled up securely because you will most likely be doing spins, whether it is a 1-turn, 2-turn, 3-turn, or more.
Also, the proper footwear will help you to get the most out of your practice. At Star Line Baton Company, we recommend the Instep Shoe, a canvas twirling shoe that has a treaded PVC sole, which gives traction while still allowing for spins. The best part is that they are machine washable! So when you have been practicing for months and they start to get dirty, and not to mention a little smelly, you can just throw them in the wash and they will be as good as new!
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| How to Find the Baton That Is Right for You |
| Posted: 4/20/2012 |
Having the baton that is the right size for you is important. If you’re just starting out, having the proper baton will help you learn how to correctly handle batons. This will also help prevent injuries that can occur when you’re learning to twirl. Here are 5 steps to follow in selecting a new baton:
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| How to Twirl a Flag |
| Posted: 3/28/2012 |
Are you planning to try out for your school's color guard or drill team? If you are, you may need to learn how to twirl a flag. One of the most common techniques in twirling a flag is called a drop spin. To spectators, a drop spin looks like the flag is swiftly spinning in front of the twirler's body. To perform a drop spin, follow these simple instructions:
- Begin with the basic holding position - holding the flag upright with your right hand on the middle of the pole, just above your nose in height. Grasp the bottom end of the flag pole with your left hand just over your belly button.
- Release your left hand from the pole and twist the flag counterclockwise with your right hand, forcing your thumb (and the flag) down. Grab the pole with your left hand underneath your right hand.
- Release the pole with your right hand and twist your left wrist counterclockwise to bring the flag back upright. Replace your right hand back on the pole underneath your left hand with your thumb facing up.
- Repeat steps 2-3 and you are doing a drop spin!
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| Overcoming Nerves When Performing |
| Posted: 3/23/2012 |
Sometimes, performing your baton routine in front of a judge can be a very nerve-racking experience. Even the most expert baton twirlers get nervous before their performance. However, you can overcome your nerves by following these tips:
- Prepare for your performance by practicing your routine thoroughly before the day of the performance. Make sure you know your routine backwards and forwards so that you are confident in your ability to execute it flawlessly.
- Check out the performance space beforehand. It is good to know how much space you have to perform and the type of material the floor is. If you discover the floor is too slippery for your comfort, you can always dip the soles of your shoes in rosin to give extra traction.
- Take deep breaths and imagine yourself performing the baton routine flawlessly. This will boost your self confidence, which will result in a better performance.
- Most importantly, have fun. Performing your routine gives you a chance to share your talents with others. You never know, your routine may inspire another to start twirling.
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