LEVELS & TECHNIQUES

WORKING WITH EQUIPMENTS / PROPS

Level I: Foundation

Dead Baton: Begin with a stationary baton, focusing on grip and control.

Dead Stick Release: Introduce releasing the baton from a stationary position, refining hand-eye coordination.

Slide: Practice smoothly sliding the baton along the hand or arm, mastering fluid movement.

Swing: Initiate swinging motions with the baton, understanding the dynamics of momentum.

Sway: Explore gentle swaying motions with the baton, incorporating rhythm and grace.

Raising, Lowering of Baton: Learn to raise and lower the baton with control and precision.

Invert: Experiment with flipping the baton upside down, adding complexity to movements.

Arm - Round: Focus on circular arm movements, coordinating with baton actions.

Pretzel: Challenge coordination by crossing and twisting the baton with hand movements.

Arm - Holding, Hand - Holding, Conducted Arms: Integrate baton manipulation with various arm and hand positions, developing versatility.

Mastering Level I lays a solid groundwork for advancing to higher levels of baton twirling proficiency.

Level II: Intermediate Mastery

Horizontal Twirling: Progress to twirling the baton horizontally, refining control and balance.

Vertical Spin with One Hand (Eight): Master the vertical spin, rotating the baton in a figure-eight motion with one hand.

Variations of Free Spins: Explore variations of free spins in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with both the right and left hand.

Loop:

Right/Left Hand Vertical Twirl with Wrist: Execute vertical twirls with wrist movement.

Right/Left Hand Horizontal Twirl with Wrist: Perform horizontal twirls with wrist movement.

  • Right/Left Hand Vertical Figure 8: Trace figure-eight patterns vertically with both hands.

  • Right/Left Hand Vertical Adverse Figure 8: Create figure-eight patterns in the opposite direction vertically with both hands.

  • Right/Left Hand Horizontal Figure 8: Trace figure-eight patterns horizontally with both hands.

  • Right/Left Hand Horizontal Adverse Figure 8: Create figure-eight patterns in the opposite direction horizontally with both hands.

    Flourish Whip:

  • Right/Left Hand Flourish Whip: Execute flourish whip motions with both hands.

Right/Left Hand Adverse Flourish Whip: Perform flourish whip motions in the opposite direction with both hands.

Level II builds upon the foundation established in Level I, introducing more complex spins, loops, figure eights, and flourishes.

Level III: Advanced Techniques

Vertical Twirling with Both Hands ("SUN"): Perform vertical twirling motions with both hands, creating a dynamic display reminiscent of the sun. Explore twirling in various body positions, including in front of the body, behind the head, above the head, and next to the body.

Vertical Twirling with Circle Drawing ("STAR"): Execute vertical twirling motions with one hand while drawing circles in front of the body. Experiment with different speeds, body turns, and directions to create captivating star-like patterns.

Figures of Low and Simple Baton Throws: Incorporate low and simple baton throws into your routine, adding excitement and flair to your performance. Focus on achieving clean throws and catching the baton smoothly without any body contact.

Aerials (Ejection):

  • Low Ejection (Under 2 m): Execute ejections of the baton at a low altitude, focusing on precision and control.

  • Classic Ejection: Perform classic ejections of the baton, including throws from an open hand (horizontal or vertical position) and throws with the end of the baton (locking ball).

Classic Catch:

  • Capture from the Lower Part: Capture the baton with the palm turned upwards, emphasizing control and stability.

  • Capture from the Upper Part: Capture the baton with the palm turned downwards, showcasing agility and coordination.

Toss Over:

  • Simple and Short Toss Over (Max. 2 m): Execute short-distance tosses over, incorporating vertical and horizontal throws with various catching techniques.

  • Various Types of Throwing and Catching: Experiment with different throwing styles and catching methods to add variety and excitement to your routine.

  • By All Members in Sequence: Collaborate with team members to execute toss overs in sequence, demonstrating synchronization and teamwork.

Level III challenges you to push the boundaries of your skills, incorporating complex twirling, throws, ejections, and catches into your performance repertoire.

Level IV: Advanced Mastery

Twirling Between Fingers: Perform vertical or horizontal twirls between fingers in various positions, including in front of the body and above the head.

Simple Rolls and Combinations: Execute simple rolls (360° orbit) and combinations of rolls and wraps (180° orbit), showcasing precision and fluidity in movement.

Figures of High Heavily Flying Baton: Perform figures with high-flying baton maneuvers, incorporating easy ejections and catches, such as baton turns with horizontal rotation in the air.

Figures of Low Heavily Flying Baton: Master figures with low-flying baton maneuvers, featuring difficult ejections and catches, including throws under the leg and behind the back.

Twirling with Fingers:

  • Explore various finger twirling techniques, including vertical and horizontal twirls with 4 fingers, 2 fingers, and 8 fingers.

Wrap (180°):

  • Perform wraps around different body parts, such as the shoulder, leg, and waist, showcasing control and flexibility.

Rolls (360°):

  • Execute rolls around various body parts, including the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, neck, and leg, demonstrating precision and agility.

Simple Combinations of Rolls:

  • Combine rolls into simple sequences, such as the half fish and snake, showcasing versatility and creativity.

Figures:

  • Perform figures with high and heavily flying baton maneuvers, executing both classical ejections and catches.

  • Master figures with low and heavily flying baton maneuvers, featuring difficult ejections and catches in challenging positions.

  • Explore various catching techniques, including behind the back, under the leg, above the head, side to side, under the arm, and rotation on the palm.

Level IV challenges you to push the boundaries of your skills, combining intricate finger twirls, complex rolls and wraps, and challenging figures to create captivating and dynamic performances.

Level V: Expert Mastery

Aerials with Body Movement:

  • Perform aerials with various types of body movement during ejection, including traveling, stationary positions, and spins with a full 360° orbit around one leg.

Aerials with Multiple Elements:

  • Execute aerials with three or more elements, such as throw, spin, pose, and catch, showcasing complexity and coordination.

High Aerials with Difficult Ejection and Catching:

  • Master high aerials with challenging ejections and catches, demonstrating control and agility.

Difficult Ejections:

  • Thumb Flip: Execute baton turns around the thumb with vertical and horizontal positions, releasing from the middle of the baton with both hands.

  • Backhand Flip: Release the baton with backward direction using wrist movement, accompanied by a turn in the air and catching with the palm turned downwards.

  • Thumb Toss: Perform a throw with more than two turns in the air using the thumb flip technique.

  • Backhand Toss: Execute a throw with more than two turns in the air using the backhand flip technique.

Difficult Catching:

  • Back Hand Catch: Catch the baton with the palm turned towards the opposite direction.

  • Blind Catch: Catch above the shoulder without visual contact with the baton.

  • Flip: Constantly rotate the baton around the thumb while catching.

Twirling with Two Batons:

  • Demonstrate mastery by twirling two batons simultaneously, executing figures with constant baton twirling.

Rolls Combinations:

  • Connect multiple roll elements in sequences, such as snake with open hand, elbow-hand-hand-elbow, showcasing fluid transitions
    and creativity.

Smooth Rolls:

  • Perform uninterrupted and continuous movements in the area, time, and sequence, with continuous repetition of the same roll, demonstrating control and precision.

Level V represents the pinnacle of baton twirling expertise, requiring mastery of advanced techniques, precision, and creativity.

LEVEL & TECHNIQUE - POM PON

Level I: Foundation

Dead Pom-Pom: The pom-pom remains non-moving, and the competitor holds it without any active manipulation.

Dancing Elements with Pom-Pom Holding:

  • Perform dancing elements such as shaking, circles, jumps, steps, movements, and marching while holding the pom-pom without actively using it.

Shaking of Pom-Pom:

  • Incorporate shaking motions of the pom-pom throughout the entire choreography, adding rhythm and energy to the performance.

Level I establishes the groundwork for pom-pom performance, emphasizing basic techniques and incorporating the pom-pom into choreography.

Level II: Intermediate Techniques

Aerials (Ejection) to a Height of 1m:

  • Perform low and easy throwing of one or both pom-poms in front of the body, achieving a height of up to 1 meter. Focus on control and precision in the throws.

Simple Exchange Between Hands:

  • Execute simple exchanges of pom-poms from one hand to another and back, showcasing dexterity and coordination.

Simple Exchange Between Subgroups or All Members:

  • Coordinate simple exchanges of pom-poms between subgroup members or among all members within a short distance (less than 2 meters), demonstrating teamwork and synchronization.

Sliding of Pom-Poms Along Hands, Leg, or Body:

  • Incorporate sliding motions of the pom-poms along hands, legs, or the body, adding fluidity and visual interest to the routine.

Level II builds upon the foundation established in Level I, introducing more dynamic techniques such as aerials and exchanges, as well as emphasizing coordination and teamwork.

Level III: Advanced Techniques

Turning Around (Rolls, Wraps) Any Body Part:

  • Perform turns around any body part, such as the waist, hand, stretched arm, or leg, using rolls or wraps. Focus on smooth execution and control.

Aerials (Ejection) with Body Movement:

  • Execute aerial throws with body movement, achieving a height of 1 meter or higher. Incorporate traveling movements (such as marching or chasse) or stationary positions (such as attention or arabesque) during the throw.

Difficult Throws with Difficult Catches:

  • Perform challenging throws of the pom-poms, such as under the leg, behind the back, or over the head, followed by difficult catches.

Difficult Throws with Any Kind of Catch:

  • Execute difficult throws of the pom-poms, such as under the shoulder, under the leg, or from behind the back, followed by any kind of catch.

Simple Exchange Between Subgroup or All Members on Long Distance:

  • Coordinate simple exchanges of pom-poms between subgroup members or among all members over a long distance (more than 2 meters), demonstrating teamwork and synchronization.

Throw of Pom-Poms with Body Rotation 360:

  • Perform throws of the pom-poms while executing a full body rotation of 360 degrees, without lifting the leg. Focus on maintaining control and balance.

Throw of Pom-Poms with One Gymnastic Element:

  • Combine throws of the pom-poms with one gymnastic element, showcasing athleticism and coordination.

Level III pushes the boundaries of pom-pom performance, requiring mastery of advanced techniques and coordination.

Level IV: Expert Techniques

Throwing of Pom-Poms with the Use of Acrobatic Elements:

  • Combine throws of the pom-poms with acrobatic elements, showcasing athleticism and creativity.

Spin - 360 Turn with High Throw:

  • Execute a 360-degree spin while performing a high throw of the pom-poms, demonstrating agility and control.

Throwing with Another Part of Body (Not Hands):

  • Perform throws of the pom-poms using body parts other than the hands, such as the mouth, legs, or elbow, adding complexity to the routine.

Exchange of Pom-Poms with Acrobatic Elements:

  • Exchange pom-poms from one hand to another while incorporating acrobatic elements, showcasing coordination and precision.

Difficult Throwing with Difficult Catching:

  • Execute challenging throws of the pom-poms, such as under the leg, under the arm, or around the body, followed by difficult catches.

Throwing with Multiple Acrobatic or Gymnastic Elements:

  • Combine throws of the pom-poms with two, three, or more acrobatic or gymnastic elements in a single sequence, demonstrating mastery and versatility.

Difficult Exchange Between Subgroup or Group on Longer Distance:

  • Coordinate difficult exchanges of pom-poms between subgroup members or among all members over a longer distance (more than 2 meters), requiring precise timing and teamwork.

Roll Over with Throw:

  • Perform a roll over while executing a throw of the pom-poms, adding fluidity and creativity to the routine.

Angel - Sliding with No Eye Contact:

  • Slide the pom-poms from one hand to another, either on the back or on the chest, without making eye contact, showcasing control and precision.

Level IV represents the pinnacle of pom-pom performance, requiring mastery of advanced techniques, acrobatics, and coordination.

LEVEL & TECHNIQUE - BATON FLAG

Level I: Foundation

Dead Baton: Begin with the flag in a stationary position, focusing on grip and control.

Dead Stick Release: Introduce releasing the flag from a stationary position, refining hand-eye coordination.

Slide: Practice smoothly sliding the flag along the hand or arm, mastering fluid movement.

Swing: Initiate swinging motions with the flag, understanding the dynamics of momentum.

Sway: Explore gentle swaying motions with the flag, incorporating rhythm and grace.

Raising, Lowering of Baton: Learn to raise and lower the flag with control and precision.

Invert: Experiment with flipping the flag, adding complexity to movements.

Arm - Round: Focus on circular arm movements, coordinating with flag actions.

Pretzel: Challenge coordination by crossing and twisting the flag with hand movements.

Arm - Holding, Hand - Holding, Conducted Arms: Integrate flag manipulation with various arm and hand positions, developing versatility.

Mastering Level I lays a solid groundwork for advancing to higher levels of flag performance. Each element builds upon the last, fostering technique, coordination, and creativity in flag routines.

Level II: Intermediate Mastery

Horizontal Twirling: Progress to twirling the flag horizontally, refining control and balance.

Vertical Spin with One Hand (Eight): Master the vertical spin, rotating the flag in a figure-eight motion with one hand.

Variations of Free Spins: Explore variations of free spins in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with both the right and left
hand.

Loop:

  • Right/Left Hand Vertical Twirl with Wrist: Execute vertical twirls with wrist movement, adding flair to your routine.

  • Right/Left Hand Horizontal Twirl with Wrist: Perform horizontal twirls with wrist movement, showcasing versatility in manipulation.

  • Right/Left Hand Vertical Figure 8: Trace figure-eight patterns vertically with both hands, adding dynamic visual elements.

  • Right/Left Hand Vertical Adverse Figure 8: Create figure-eight patterns in the opposite direction vertically with both hands, demonstrating coordination and control.

  • Right/Left Hand Horizontal Figure 8: Trace figure-eight patterns horizontally with both hands, adding complexity to your routine.

  • Right/Left Hand Horizontal Adverse Figure 8: Create figure-eight patterns in the opposite direction horizontally with both hands, showcasing versatility in movement.

Flourish Whip:

  • Right/Left Hand Flourish Whip: Execute flourish whip motions with both hands, adding dynamic movements to your routine.

  • Right/Left Hand Adverse Flourish Whip: Perform flourish whip motions in the opposite direction with both hands, demonstrating control and precision.

Level II builds upon the foundational skills of flag manipulation, introducing more complex techniques to elevate your performance.

Level III: Advanced Mastery

Vertical Twirling with Both Hands ("SUN"): Majorettes might incorporate vertical twirling into their routines while moving around the performance area. This adds visual interest and showcases the majorette's skill in manipulating the baton.

Vertical Twirling with a Circle Drawing ("STAR"): This skill allows majorettes to add dynamic movement to their routines by twirling the baton in various directions while also creating shapes or patterns in the air. This adds complexity and visual appeal to the performance.

Figures of Low and Simple Baton Throw with Catch: Majorettes might include simple baton throws and catches to add excitement to their routines. These throws could be incorporated into dance sequences or used to transition between different movements.

Aerials (Ejection): Aerials, or baton ejections, are often used as dramatic highlights in majorette routines. Majorettes might perform low ejections to add variety to their routines and showcase their ability to toss and catch the baton with precision.

Classic Catch: The classic catch is a fundamental skill in majorette sport, as majorettes must be able to reliably catch the baton after performing throws or ejections. Different types of catches can be incorporated into routines to add visual interest and showcase the majorette's skill.

Toss Over: Toss overs are commonly used in majorette routines to create visually stunning moments. Majorettes might toss the baton over short distances or between team members, adding excitement and coordination to the performance.

Level III pushes the boundaries of flag performance, requiring mastery of advanced techniques and coordination.

Level IV: Advanced Mastery

Twirling Between Fingers:

  • Master twirling the flag vertically or horizontally between fingers, adding intricacy to your routine.

Simple Rolls and Combinations:

  • Execute simple rolls with a 360° orbit and combine rolls with wraps in a 180° orbit, demonstrating mastery of flag manipulation.

Figures of High Flying Flag with Easy Ejection and Catch:

  • Perform figures of the flag flying at a high altitude with easy ejection and catch, such as horizontal rotations in the air.

Figures of Low Flying Flag with Difficult Ejection and Catch:

  • Master figures of the flag flying at a low altitude with challenging ejection and catch, such as throws under the leg or behind the back.

Figures with Simple Flag Toss Between Performers:

  • Coordinate figures involving simple flag tosses between performers, demonstrating synchronization and teamwork.

Twirling with Fingers:

  • Explore various finger twirling techniques, including vertical and horizontal twirls with different numbers of fingers, adding complexity to your routine.

Wrap:

  • Perform wraps around different body parts, such as the shoulder, leg, or waist, demonstrating control and precision.

Rolls:

  • Execute rolls around various body parts, including the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, neck, and leg, showcasing fluidity and coordination.

Simple Combinations of Rolls:

  • Combine rolls into simple sequences, such as half fish or snake patterns, adding variety and creativity to your routine.

Figures:

  1. High Flying Flag with Simple Ejection and Catch:

    • Execute figures of the flag flying at a high altitude with simple ejection and catch techniques, including classical ejections from open hand positions.

  2. Low Flying Flag with Difficult Ejection and Catch:

    • Master figures of the flag flying at a low altitude with challenging ejection and catch techniques, such as throws from under the arm or under the leg.

Level IV challenges performers to push the boundaries of their skills, incorporating advanced techniques and precise execution into their flag routines.

Level V: Expert Mastery

Aerials with Body Movement:

  • Travelling: Majorettes execute aerials while moving to another position, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the skill.

  • Stationary: Aerials performed on the spot, requiring precise control and balance.

  • Spin: Aerials combined with body rotation on one leg, often involving a 360° orbit. The elevated leg's toe must be above the stable leg's ankle. Different types of spins include multiple spins, disrupted spins, and spins in reverse direction.

Aerials with Multiple Elements: This involves combining throws, spins, poses, and catches in one fluid sequence, increasing the complexity and showcasing the performer's mastery of the baton.

High Aerials with Difficult Ejection and Catching: These aerials are executed at a higher altitude, requiring greater precision and control during both the ejection and catching phases.

Difficult Ejection Techniques:

  • Thumb Flip: The baton rotates around the thumb and leaves the hand, executed from both vertical and horizontal positions with both hands.

  • Backhand Flip: The baton is released from the hand in a backward direction, with a turn in the air, and caught with the palm facing downwards.

  • Thumb Toss and Backhand Toss: Throws executed with the respective flip techniques, involving more than two turns in the air.

Difficult Catching Techniques:

  • Back Hand Catch: Catching with the palm turned towards the opposite direction, adding complexity to the catch.

  • Blind Catch: Catching above the shoulder without visually tracking the baton's trajectory.

  • Flip: Continuous hand rotation during the catch, maintaining constant baton rotation around the thumb.

Twirling with Two Batons: Performers execute figures with two batons simultaneously, showcasing exceptional coordination and dexterity.

Rolls Combinations: Complex sequences involving combinations of rolls, such as snake with open hand, elbow-hand-hand-elbow, demonstrating fluidity and precision.

Smooth Rolls: Continuous, uninterrupted movement in a specific area, time, and sequence, with continuous repetition of the same roll pattern, showcasing control and mastery.

Level V represents the pinnacle of baton twirling expertise, requiring mastery of advanced techniques, precision, and creativity.

LEVEL & TECHNIQUE - POM PON

LEVEL & TECHNIQUE - BATON