Instructions for Twirling Flags

You may have to learn to twirl a flag if you try out for your school's color guard, drill team or band front. One of the most common techniques is called a drop spin. It appears to spectators as if the flag, on its pole measuring anywhere from 5 feet to 8 feet, is quickly spinning in front of your body. The basic technique may be adapted and altered to accommodate twirling a smaller pep flag, rifle or a baton.

Things You'll Need

  • Flag pole
  • Flag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin with the basic holding position of grasping the end of the flag pole with your left hand, and grasping the pole just above your nose with the right hand. Place the end of the pole and the left hand over your belly button.

    • 2

      Release your left hand from the pole's end and twist your right hand counterclockwise, forcing your thumb and the flag down. Your right hand should now be in front of your belly button. Grasp the pole with your left hand underneath your right hand with your thumb pointing down.

    • 3

      Let go of the pole with your right hand and twist your left wrist counterclockwise, twirling the flag back up to the high position above your head. Replace your right hand back on the pole underneath the left in the same orientation as your left hand. Your thumbs face up.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 2 and 3 slowly until you have a handle on the technique. Begin twirling the flag more quickly as your comfort level rises. When counting the beats and twirling the flag to the beat of music, the flag should point down on odd numbered beats and raised up on the even numbered beats. Double-time twirling requires the color guard member to complete one entire turn of the flag in one beat.