How to Start a Youth Drill Team

Most youth could greatly benefit from the skills cultivated from membership in a drill team. Discipline, timing, consistency, precision and practice are just some of the skills drill team members must learn in order to be successful. If you decide to start a youth drill team, kids can take these skills beyond the team and apply them to everyday life.

Instructions

  1. Start a Youth Drill Team

    • 1

      Find a coach. Drill teams are best led by an experienced coach, which can include a college drill team member or even a former military member who was active in a branch drill team.

    • 2

      Recruit youth for the team. Ideally, look for kids who have experience in school marching bands, dance or other highly coordinated activities that require advanced foot work.

    • 3

      Decide on a public or private team. Some private organizations, such as churches or fraternities, have their own drill teams, where as public teams are accessible to the general public by way of school affiliation or municipality support.

    • 4

      Choose a specific age group. Youth drill teams need to be limited to mostly older youth, due to the complicated routines and maneuvers, as well as the intense practice sessions.

    • 5

      Host a practice session and subsequent tryouts. During practice, potential candidates can master routines, marching and maneuvers, just in time for the official tryouts.

    Coach the Team to Success

    • 6

      Inspire them. Watch drill team videos of famous groups. Military drill teams, which are known for their advanced maneuvers and beautiful alignment, may be especially inspiring.

    • 7

      Lead by example. Drill teams often place heavy emphasis on respect, seniority and order. By upholding these traditional drill team values, you can motivate your youth team to do the same.

    • 8

      Allow the youth members to express their creativity. Many drill team routines are designed on the spot and doing so encourages teamwork and cohesion as a group.

    • 9

      Let the best members lead the group. Drill teams often have senior members who are either more seasoned or accomplished than the rest and can guide the team on the field during practice and competition.