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Two Methods:Crank Toss:Standard Method:

Ever wonder how to flip a flag and actually catch it? Like at football games when the color guard does it? Well read on and you will learn how.

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Method 1 of 2: Crank Toss:

  1. Toss a Flag Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    1
    Hold the flag so that the silk (the actual fabric part) is up.
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  2. Toss a Flag Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    2
    Grab the flag in the silk, about 2 fist lengths above the tab (the tape holding the silk on the pole) with your left hand, and hold your right hand palm up 2 fist lengths below the tab.
  3. Toss a Flag Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    3
    Put the pole between your thumb and your index finger.
  4. Toss a Flag Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    4
    Hold the flag 7–9 inches (17.8–22.9 cm) away from your belly button.
  5. Toss a Flag Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    5
    Quickly flip your hand around, and let go of the flag.
  6. Toss a Flag Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    6
    Catch it with your hands the same way they started.

Method 2 of 2: Standard Method:

  1. Toss a Flag Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    1
    Hold flag at 45 degree angle with silk down. Your left hand will be on the bottom end cap of the pole, palm down. Your right hand will be as described above (one dollar bill length into silk, palm up).
  2. Toss a Flag Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    2
    Push down with your left hand (release left hand), and send the bottom of the pole counter-clockwise until your right hand is at your forehead, wrist facing out toward audience. The flag should now be upside-down and perpendicular to ground.
  3. Toss a Flag Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    3
    Let go of the flag with a flick of your right wrist.
  4. Toss a Flag Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    4
    Catch the flag with two hands after it has rotated one and half times, with silk up. For a snappy, crisp catch which will stop the flag instantly, catch with your left hand on top (palm right) and your right hand on bottom (palm left).
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Tips

  • Do not be afraid to let go of the flag!
  • Do not be afraid of catching the flag, yes it will hit you a few times when you are learning but believe it or not, it doesn't really hurt! Just embarrassing.
  • Stay in your toaster! Translation: keep flag perpendicular to ground at all times. If you toss at an angle, it will come back down at an angle and will a) look awful and b) hit you in the head. Imagine you are in a toaster slot, if your flag hits the sides, you will get burned.
  • When the flag is in the air, be aware of your free hands. They should be at your sides and stiff, not dangling or waving about.
  • Use a lot of force when you flip it.
  • You will probably drop it the first time. Don't give up though... keep trying, and you will get better.
  • Practice in an open area. Preferably outside away from people.

Warnings

  • Never do this without a proper instructor's guidance. It's very dangerous to practice based on only what you have read. Mistakes in this can lead to injury, so take caution.
  • Don't practice inside!
  • Don't have long nails, they will break!
  • Don't practice around people, you will hurt them!
  • Watch out, you will probably look like an idiot until you are really good.

Things You'll Need

  • Flag
  • Yard or open space
  • Tape (depending on the color of the flag)
  • Flagpole

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Article Info

Categories: Flags | Marching Bands

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