Hosting A Clinic: A Guide For Coaches

Hosting a clinic or camp can be an incredible experience for your students—and for you as a coach. Clinics offer students exposure to new tricks, choreography, and teaching styles, helping them broaden their skills and stay motivated. Bringing in guest instructors, especially collegiate twirlers or award-winning performers, can be particularly inspiring for students. Plus, clinics are a great way to raise funds for your group or generate additional revenue for your program. The best part? Clinics are relatively easy to organize! Here are the simple steps I use to host a successful clinic:

Step 1: Secure Your Location
First, find a suitable location, and make sure your desired date and times are available.

Step 2: Find Guest Teachers
Choose instructors who connect well with kids, bring a positive attitude, and offer valuable knowledge. The right guest teachers can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience.

Step 3: Set Up Registration
Create an online registration form. I use JotForm, but Google Forms works well, too. Decide on a price point that covers your expenses and time, and set up easy payment options such as online payment platforms, Venmo, or Zelle.

Now that you have the essentials, you’re ready to promote your event to your current students and others who may be interested. Spread the word within your local twirling community, as other coaches may have students excited to join. Use email, social media, and even paid ads if possible. Remember to set a registration deadline that gives you enough time to finalize plans.

Organize the Clinic

Once you have your registrations, divide the participants into groups. I usually create as many groups as I have instructors; for instance, if I have three teachers, I’ll set up three groups, organized by a mix of age and skill level.

Create the Class Schedule
Choose classes that cover major areas in baton twirling, such as vertical series, horizontal series, rolls, feature tricks, X-strut, and 2 or 3-baton twirling. You can add specialized topics like parade routines, dance technique, or even novelty twirling (ribbons, hoops, etc.). Think about what’s popular in your area and select classes that align with your students' needs.

Design the Schedule
For clinics, I typically use 20-minute class sessions, which is usually ideal for keeping students engaged. For younger or beginner twirlers, you might want shorter 15-minute sessions, while advanced students may enjoy 25-minute classes.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Clinic

1. Start the clinic with instructor introductions and a stretch session. This warm-up allows latecomers to join without much disruption and helps nervous students feel comfortable.
2. Schedule the majority of classes before your snack break.
3. End with a fun activity, like games or learning a school fight song, and host a short performance for parents to showcase what the students learned.
4. Provide time and space for photos with guest instructors—students will love capturing memories with their special teachers!

Final Prep
After setting groups and the schedule, add finishing touches like folders, nametags, participation certificates, and small gifts. Communicate any last details to families about a week before the event, and be sure to set up before doors open for a smooth check-in.

With these steps, you’ll be all set for a fun, engaging, and positive event for twirlers that builds skills and strengthens your studio community!

Any questions? Reach out to batontwirlingunltd@gmail.com!