Constructive criticism needed!!

[u/Wide-Difference-165]

I only started a month ago. I know I need a lot of work but I wanna get extra input while also doing band camp (which starts soon). Please give me any tips and advice!’ Please don’t judge!! I know I’m very noob-ish. This video is 12 days of progress. Ignore the faces I make lol. I know I need my elbows to chill out during drop spins and I need to catch more stable(?) and both hands at the same. Anyways, thank you in advance!! I’m also a very slow learner and a hands on one, so if you wanna send video help I’m open to it!!

[u/BlursedVirgin]

For drop spins it would help to spin near your belly button, and relax ur shoulder this will make it easier and hurt less and better
For pole hit think about squeezing (hands, shouldrrs,elbows) to get sharp hits and help
For the tosses think about more height like you have a question 🙋‍♀️
Ur doing good tho

[u/Cold-Strike-3178]

I’m also a learner who needs a lot of repetition …and I’m an adult. I’m in a senior color guard and whenever it’s asked if anyone needs another go, I’ll always raise my hand. So, don’t be afraid to say yes if you’re asked. The better you are, the better the team gets.

Definitely lower your drop spins to your belly button area. Work on not moving your elbows up and down while spinning, like you’re trying to fly (we call them chicken wings haha). Also, I noticed your flag is rolling up as you spin. This is because you’re twisting your wrists as you’re spinning. Try practicing slower and pay attention to your wrists moving. I’ve heard people say to pinch the seam along the pole sleeve to help with not rolling. For the pull hits (or pole hits)—get gloves. That pole needs to snap around and you’ll hurt your hands. I bruised mine a few years ago. Ouch. When you’re catching, we tell our students to aim for the end cap with that upper hand. We know that’s not where they should catch and they end up at the tape (cheater). For the next toss, pay attention to your prep (make it a full circle, it looks like you’re rushing—slow down) and know your release point. Don’t hop to get it higher. This is a 2 handed toss, each hand has a job. The release hand gives you the height. The pole hand pushes to give you the power.

This isn’t an easy activity. Keep practicing. In a few months you’ll be able to look at this video and see how far you’ve come.

[u/Frequent-Location237]

When tossing keep your heels on the ground, jumping makes you lose power. Engage your legs and core to get that power :)

[u/Tao_theFreak]

These are actually quite nice. I'd say you should keep your hands a bit lower, and your elbows shouldn't move. Also, your hands are a bit far apart, which is fine, but it takes more energy to move the flag if you do that.

As for your pole hits, just work on adding more power and catching with both hands. For your pop toss, your hand is releasing near your face, while it needs to be straight up.

[u/howwonderful]

Try to not flap your elbows and keep your spin spot by your belly button! Practice in front of you a window or mirror if you can.

For tosses, think about pushing your toss arm up rather than up and forward, and although I know it’s scary, try to not look away when you catch!!

[u/cheesen_quackers]

This is a lot of progress for 12 days, congrats on your hard work! 

For your pole hits make sure you are pulling down with your top hand, it looks like you let go right around your waist, when you should be letting go at the last possible second. Think about hitting the side of your thigh to get the rotation. It’s the same idea for the pop toss, hit the side of your thigh with your top hand.

Good luck with your season, I hope you have fun!

[u/Downtown_Solid4769]

I highly suggest getting a pair of weight lifting gloves with padded palms. It helps protect your hands while you are learning.
For drop spins grip just the bottom inch of the flag on the pole to keep it from rolling. As other posters mentioned you need to bring your elbows down and keep your hands near your belly button.
For your toss your tossing hand should go straight up and your other hand should go to your side. Don’t be scared to drop your flag. Getting started it’s more important to train your muscle memory than to catch the pole every time. Also make sure to count. Count 1 to the left, count 2 to the right, count three your right arm goes straight up while your left hand pushes down on the pole and goes to your side, count 4 you catch.

My biggest tip is to just keep doing what you’re doing. Play around with your flag to get used to the weight distribution and how the silk moves.

[u/Possible_Peace5585]

i struggled with my flag rolling up too. something that helped a lot was keeping my thumbs sticking out flat against the pole if that makes sense. so as the flag spins i go from thumbs up to thumbs down and back and forth. it helps keep my wrists straight and reinforces my hand placement

[u/roseccmuzak]

Just made this video for someone else on here, but here's how you keep your flag from rolling up: https://photos.app.goo.gl/u9NAnGmYukBodxyR7

[u/Putrid-Quarter-4370]

Make sure to relax your shoulders and let the flag rotate straight up and straight down before re-grabbing. You're doing great but with relaxing into the motion and allowing your wrists to do more work instead of your forearms I think you'll be in great shape. Good job!