🌀 5 common mistakes to avoid when starting baton twirling

BDSports
Apr 22
2 min read

Are you new to baton twirling and want to progress quickly without getting injured or discouraged? As with any technical sport, there are a few pitfalls to avoid to get off to a good start. Whether you practice artistic twirling , majorette twirling , or in a club, here are the 5 most common mistakes made by beginners in twirling ... and our advice for avoiding them!

1. ❌ Choosing an unsuitable stick

This is a common mistake: using the wrong size or poor quality pole. This complicates tricks, slows your progress, and can frustrate you from the very first sessions.

🔑 Tip : To get started, choose a twirling stick that is suitable for your size and level .

🛍️ Need help? Check out our complete guide to choosing the right stick here.

2. ❌ Skip the warm-up

Excited, do you want to jump right into practice? Bad idea! An ill-prepared body is more prone to muscle tension and awkward movements.

🔑 Tip : Take 10 to 15 minutes for a good warm-up specific to baton twirling .

Focus on your wrists, shoulders, back, and legs. This will improve your flexibility and concentration, and your movements will become more fluid.

3. ❌ Burn the stages

Want to learn double or triple throws in the first week? Be careful not to rush! Without mastering the basics, you risk stagnating or adopting poor posture.

🔑 Tip : Start with the basic twirling moves (rolls, flips, simple maneuvers). Repeat them until you can perform them smoothly, in a controlled, and above all, mastered manner. This is the key to solid and lasting progress.

4. ❌ Reproduce without understanding

Watching videos of champions or copying others without understanding the movements can be counterproductive. Every move has its own logic, technique, and rhythm.

🔑 Tip : Learn with a coach or a well-explained technique tutorial. Ask yourself the right questions: why does this gesture start on the right or left? Where is the gaze placed? This will help you progress intelligently and efficiently .

5. ❌ Neglecting the artistic dimension

Twirling is not just a precision sport, it's also a visual art . Focusing solely on technique makes for a stiff and cold performance.

🔑 Tip : Practice moving with the music , expressing emotions, and varying dynamics. A good twirler isn't just precise: they're also expressive and captivating!