Training Ideas for the Color Guard

The right training for a color guard leads to perfect performances and plenty of points from the judges at competition. A color guard may be composed of flag twirlers or a rifle squad. Some teams combine the two. Whatever the case, each team performs for the crowds and typically goes to competition. The effort requires much training and determination. The right training leads to happy team members and enjoyable performances.

  1. Musical Twirling

    • Regardless of whether a squad uses rifles, flags or a combination of both, twirling the apparatus is an important key in many routines. After learning the proper technique for twirling, practice is key to the right execution of the move during a routine. Create an entertaining way to practice by incorporating music. Select the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds for the squad to march to. Each time the song says "Turn, Turn, Turn," the group twirls its accessories. The song "You Spin Me Right Round" by artist Dead or Alive serves the same purpose at a faster pace. This training idea works on stepping in time and transitioning between moving and twirling.

    Down the Line

    • For a warm-up and cool-down training activity, let the squad play Pass the Flag or Rifle. Tossing a flag or rifle and properly catching it is a piece of a routine, which is examined by judges during competition. Divide a squad into two equal lines and give the first person on one side a flag. The first passes to the person across from him. That person tosses it to the second person in the first line. The flag goes back and forth up and down the two lines. Throw in a second flag or rifle at the opposite end to speed up the training game.

    Journals

    • One training idea for color guard involves making each individual responsible for his own advancement through practice. After teaching a new or basic move, have each squad member start a practice journal to record how many times he practiced each move. When he reaches 1,000 he brings in the journal and demonstrates the skill. Attach rewards to the activity for better results. The first members who successfully complete the demonstration might be granted captain spots or front positions in the routines. Other rewards are heading booster committees, advising routines or selecting music.

    The Freestyle

    • Let the color guard squad express its individuality and talent through a freestyle dance. Once a squad has the basics down pat, let each member spend a week creating a short dance to his chosen music, incorporating the moves. Each performs his routine for the rest of the squad. Evaluate the performers on their execution of skills and the creative level of the dances.