Techniques to Improve

An essential part to twirling is having sufficient hand eye coordination. One must be able to rapidly flip the baton and be prepared to catch it at any time. There are a few ways you can get yourself used to catching the baton. The first technique you can use is simply throwing the baton into the hand you intend on catching it with (right hand). Continuously throw it in your right hand and increase the force little by little; this will get your hand used to catching the baton at a rapid speed.

Flexibility is an important part to the dance element of twirling (something which I lack.) In twirling, being able to have high kicks is crucial. The ability to do a split, illusion, and fan kick are also very important. I’ve been doing many different exercises lately to help increase my flexibility and I’ve began to see progress. I begin in a simple V-Set stretch, reaching down to my left and right foot for 30 seconds. Then I complete a series of hamstring, inner thigh, and back stretches to help improve my overall flexibility. After I complete my stretches, I perform several front kicks, side kicks, back kicks, and fan kicks. Next, I slide down into a right and left split (although I can’t touch the ground) I hold in this position for 30-45 seconds.

Of course the most important aspect to becoming a better twirler is continuously practicing. No new trick comes easily. Every twirler must have the will to improve and the determination to perfect each new skill. Frustration is a problem that every twirler has. It’s much easier to give up than it is to keep trying to achieve success in each trick. The road to becoming an advanced twirler is a very long, hard one and takes a lot of dedication. Although it’s tiring and a struggle, perfecting a new trick is more than worthwhile and brings a great sense of satisfaction. Twirling is a very difficult, technical art and demands a great deal of improvement and dedication from each twirler.