Technique Thursday's (Drop Spins on Flag)

    Good Morning Everyone! Today marks the exciting beginning of our Technique Thursday series! Every Thursday, starting today, I'll be diving deep into the world of color guard techniques. Our journey will explore the myriad ways these techniques can be applied across various equipment pieces, enriching your performances and enhancing your skills. Color guard isn't just about the flair and the spectacle; it's a discipline that combines artistry with precision. Each week, we'll focus on a specific aspect of color guard, from flag work to rifle spins, and even sabre techniques. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced performer aiming to refine your skills, there's something in this series for everyone. We'll break down each technique step-by-step, offering tips to improve your form and advice on how to integrate these skills seamlessly into your routines.

    Alongside technical guidance, I'll share insights on the history and evolution of color guard techniques, highlighting how they contribute to the storytelling and emotional impact of performances. Join me every Thursday as we build a comprehensive toolkit of color guard techniques. Not only will you learn how to execute each move with confidence, but you'll also discover how to use them creatively in your routines, bringing your performances to new heights. Let's embark on this journey together and elevate the art of color guard!

    What is color guard? For those starting or who are stumbling on my page for the first time. Color guard is a dynamic and visual component of a marching band or a winter guard team that combines flags, sabers, rifles, and other equipment, along with dance, to express dynamic passages in the music accompanying the performance. Now, mastering the color guard technique requires understanding the various holding spots on a flag pole and the fundamental moves, such as drop spins and stops. Let's dive into these aspects.

Holding Spots on a Flag Pole 

Bottom Tape: This is the most common holding spot, located at the bottom of the flag pole. It's used for most moves. 

Top Tape: Located at the top of the pole, this spot is used for certain tosses and effects that require a higher grip. 

Tab: Some flags have a tape or a piece of fabric (tab) in the middle. This spot is used for spins or tosses that balance the flag equally on both sides.

Top and Bottom of Pole: All flags have a hard cushion on both sides of the pole known as a crutch tip, but in some parts of the world, like Texas, they are referred to as marshmallows. This cushion prevents damage to the pole and to the ground when spinning or tossing the equipment.

    These are some basics of a flag pole and what you’ll need to know when learning and trying new techniques/tosses. When I first started color guard in 8th grade, the basic concept of properly holding a flag pole was utterly foreign. Walking around with it felt awkward and uncertain as if I was trying to maneuver a piece that didn't fit. I remember looking at the seasoned members effortlessly carrying their flags, spinning, and tossing with such ease while I struggled to even keep mine upright without wobbling. It was a humbling starting point, but it also marked the beginning of a journey filled with learning and improvement.

Drop Spins

    Drop spins are one of the first techniques learned in color guard and a fundamental skill. Starting Position starts by holding the flag at the bottom crutch tip with your left hand and thumb pointing up and placing your right hand at the tab and thumb pointing up. This is known as the right shoulder; you’ll have the pole straight up and down with the flag up and have the pole centered on your body. Second, we’ll focus on the spin. Push the pole down with your right hand, allowing it to rotate downwards, and have your left hand let go of the pole as you push it. As the pole comes down, let it slide through your left hand, catching it at the tab with your left hand under the right hand's position with both thumbs now facing down. Immediately after catching with the left hand, continue to push the pole the way it's going by rotating the pole back up with the left hand, releasing your right hand, and catching it again at the tab. Congrats, you just did two counts of drop spins.

    Now it’s time to move into repetition; repetition is what helps everyone get better at the skills we are learning. To do so we need to continue this motion for a series of drop spins, maintaining a consistent speed and height. Starting slow and checking our hands to make sure they’re correct and speeding up as we go. Once you are feeling more comfortable with drop spins, we will move into how to stop it. Stopping a drop spin smoothly is crucial and requires timing and precision. To prepare for stopping, we must decide in advance at which point we will stop. Most commonly, after completing a spin with the flag, pointing upwards is a natural stopping point.

    As you catch the flag pole with the hand from the last spin, grip it firmly with both hands, using your bottom hand (the one that catches the pole) to halt the motion. Your top hand (the one that was about to push the pole for another spin) steadies the pole. Freeze with the flag pointing straight up and push the flag up at the right shoulder just like you started. Ensure your posture is correct, with shoulders back and head high, and the pole centered on your body for a clean finish. Practice is key to mastering the timing of drop spins and stops, and as you become more comfortable, you can increase the speed and number of spins. Always start slowly to build muscle memory and prevent injury.

If you’d like to further your knowledge and hear more insights about guards, feel free to check out the Color Guard Club! They post a lot of interesting articles and updates about everything color guard, otherwise, see you next time! Happy spinning!

Photo Credits by: Raquel Teutle

Why "The Reality of Color Guard"?

Talking about The Reality of Color Guard and its connection to me is super important for a bunch of reasons. First off, it's a chance for me to share my own story and how Color Guard has totally changed my life. It's a way to connect with others who might have similar experiences or are just curious about what Color Guard is all about. Plus, I really want to shine a light on all the hard work, discipline, and team effort that goes into Color Guard, stuff that people don't always see.

From the get-go, when I started in 8th grade, it's been an incredible journey. I've been involved in this world, reaching professional levels, performing with world-class groups in both winter and summer seasons, and now, I even teach it. Throughout this time, I've seen firsthand the artistry and physical demand it requires, which often busts any myths people have about it just being about flags or rifles. My goal is to open people's eyes to the real deal of Color Guard - the beauty, the complexity, and everything it takes to be a part of it. Sharing my journey from an eager 8th grader to a professional performer and instructor, I hope to inspire others to either support the Color Guard or jump in and experience this rewarding activity for themselves.

Picture Credits: Shaley Davis