How to do a One-Turn

A One-Turn is a crucial trick in the art of twirling. One-Turns are the basis for numerous trick combinations; one-turns can even be increased into two, three, four, all the way up to eight turns. Of course an eight turn is an extremely advanced trick that only a select few can accomplish. In this blog post, I will explain how to prepare, perform, and perfect a one-turn.

A one-turn is simply a wind-up of the baton, a quick thumb flip in the air, an immediate, quick spin, and a perfect catch with a follow through. After a few days of practice, a one-turn can be caught; after a few weeks of practice, a one-turn can be perfected.

First, one has to position their arms and legs in the perfect position. The standard beginning pose for a one turn is your arms placed in a downward “V” with your right leg pointed forward with the knee slightly bent.

Next, wind up the baton in a circular motion clockwise starting with the right arm out to the side. As the baton is winding up, pull your feet together up on your toes in a quick motion.

The next move requires a quick thumb flip high enough to have the correct amount of time to spin and catch it comfortably. a thumb flip is simply the roll of the baton off your thumb with an upward thrust to ensure height and speed. After you finish the quick wind up on your toes with your feet together, thumb flip the baton and prepare for the spin.

With a one-turn, you cannot just simply turn around in any fashion; there’s a specific technique to spinning in the art of twirling. You have just thumb flipped the baton in the air and you are up on your toes prepared for the next step; as soon as you spot your baton and conclude that it’s at the perfect height and position to catch it, you are ready to spin. While up on your toes, firmly place your right foot forward with your arms coming back down into a subtle “V.” Quickly push off of your right foot to the left and tuck it tightly next to your left foot as you spin rapidly. As for the arms, as soon as you push off on your right foot, wrap your arms around your body; the right arm across the front of your body and the left arm across your back (this motion ensures stability, balance, and speed.)

As you whip back to the front, stop yourself by placing your right foot back on the ground firmly. As the baton is descending catch it in a “cradled” motion. This means as soon as the baton is in hand, firmly “cradle” the baton in the bend of your arm. After the baton is cradled, slightly “jump” your feet together and slap your arms to your sides. This is called a “tuck” which is your follow through.

After you’ve mastered these steps, you have successfully perfected a one-turn! Practice Practice Practice!