Baton Twirling

What is baton twirling?

Baton twirling is a combination of juggling, gymnastics and dancing. The twirler uses a baton, which looks like a pipe, making coordinated moves with the baton while also moving across the floor in a performance.

How to twirl a baton

Baton twirling consists of two events. In the compulsory event, the twirler displays standard moves that are judged on their technical accuracy. In the freestyle competition, the twirler makes difficult twirling moves while performing a gymnastic-type routine. The routine is judged for technical accuracy, the degree of difficulty of the moves and the artistic display.

How to win

Both the compulsory and freestyle events are judged, and the twirler with the highest score wins.

Equipment

Baton – this looks like a shiny metal pipe with rubber ends that prevent injuries and allow it to bounce back up quickly if the athlete drops it

Sport lingo

The eight moves in the compulsory competition are:
- left-hand vertical finger twirl
- right-hand vertical finger twirl
- right-hand fish tail
- elbow lay roll-out
- left-hand backhand release on spring, catch right backhand
- 1½ spin to the right, catch on back
- horizontal 2-spin catch right
- right-hand horizontal release, one spin, catch right hand backhand         
Twirlers – the athletes
Tricks – moves that are judged