These three terms are frequently used to describe hand position and twirls.
Stand straight and extend one arm in front of yourself parallel to the floor. Ask a friend to measure from the base of your neck to the tip of your middle finger. Purchase a baton that is made for a person with your measurement. If you are unusually small or tall, remove or add 1 to 2 inches to the measurement. If you are in between sizes, purchase the next size up. Batons come in 1 inch increments.
Occasionally, a specific twirl may require that you hold the baton with your thumb facing the tip.
Stand tall with your feet in a Right T. Hold the baton in your right hand with your thumb pointing towards the ball.
Point the ball towards the left. As you rotate the baton so that the ball points directly away from you, bring the tip underneath your forearm. Point the ball to the right. As you rotate the baton so that the ball points directly at you, bring the ball over your arm. Complete the horizontal circle—point the ball to the left. [2] X Research source
Pinch the baton between your thumb and index finger. Use your remaining fingers—your middle, ring, and pinky fingers—to turn the baton. As you speed up the twirl, keep your wrist loose. [3] X Research source
Although it may feel more natural to rotate the baton in the opposite direction (front, right, back, left), you must execute the move with a counterclockwise rotation.
Place the baton in your right hand and begin to twirl it horizontally. Carefully move your left hand towards the center of the shaft and encircle the baton with your left hand’s thumb and pointer finger. As the left hand gains control of the baton, continue to execute the horizontal twirl. Make sure the baton continues to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. [5] X Research source Style, Susan. Baton Twirling Master: Baton Twirler - Step by Step Moves & Instructions. The baton should remain horizontal the entire time.
Stand straight with your right arm at your side and your feet together. Place your left hand on your hip. Your four fingers should be close together and resting on the front of your hip. Hold the center of the shaft and point your thumb towards the ball. [6] X Research source
Rotate the ball so that it is pointing at the ground; the tip should be on the outside of your arm. Continue turning the baton so that the ball is pointing behind you. Turn the baton so that ball is pointing up and is located on the inside of your arm. Complete the rotation—the baton should be parallel to the ground. [7] X Research source
Pinch the baton between your thumb and index finger. Use your remaining fingers to turn the baton. Keep your wrist loose. [8] X Research source
Stand tall with your feet in a Right T. Grasp the baton with your right hand—point your thumb towards the ball. Extend your right arm and position the baton so that it is parallel to the ground. Rotate the baton counter clockwise. Keeping the shaft parallel to the ground, point the ball to the left. Turn the baton so that the ball points directly away from you and simultaneously bring the tip underneath your forearm. Point the ball to the right. While you rotate the ball towards yourself, bring the ball over your forearm. Complete the horizontal circle by rotating the ball to the left. [10] X Research source Complete 3 to 4 horizontal spins.
Keep your fingers flat and out of the way. As the baton slows, subtly move your palm as though it were a teeter-totter.
Try the Palm Spin with your left hand!
Hold the baton in your right hand—your thumb should point towards the ball. Place your left hand on your left hip. [12] X Research source Style, Susan. Baton Twirling Master: Baton Twirler - Step by Step Moves & Instructions.
Lower the ball on a downward angle towards the left side of your body. Raise the ball up towards your face in a circular motion. Once the ball reaches the center, completing the first circle, lower the ball on a downward angle towards the right side of your body. Raise the ball up towards your face in a circular motion. Pinch the baton between your thumb and index finger. Keep your wrist loose. [13] X Research source
Bring the baton behind your back—lead with the ball. Remove your left hand from your hip and reach it behind your back. Secure the baton in your left hand—your thumb will point towards the tip. Release your right hand and place it on your right hip. [14] X Research source Style, Susan. Baton Twirling Master: Baton Twirler - Step by Step Moves & Instructions.
Bring the baton from behind your back to your left side. Extend your left arm to the side with your elbow bent at a 90° angle. Raise the tip towards your left shoulder. Continue the circular motion, passing the tip behind your elbow. As the tip points towards the ground, the ball points up. Complete the circular motion by bringing the ball in front of your elbow. [15] X Research source Style, Susan. Baton Twirling Master: Baton Twirler - Step by Step Moves & Instructions.
