The Color Guard Video Training Series is now available free to all programs.
Explore these instructional videos covering everything from basic flag movement to advanced weapon skills. Originally built as a classroom curriculum or a supplemental teaching resource, OCG includes written materials for lesson plans that include vocabulary, adjudication rubric, and dance terminology. There are also practice journals to support consistent home practice. These materials will soon be available below.
Whether you're building a new program or strengthening an established one, make OCG your go-to resource.
Click on the button to get your practice journal!
Basic Flag and Movement
Learn the basics of how judges judge
Thumb flips and weapon spins on flag
Discover the parts of the flag and how to start most basic spins
The most basic spin everyone learns
A spin that explores the various parts of the pole, invented by yours truly!
Flip hits teach the last second before catching a toss, but can also be a cool choreographic element.
Some people call this skill a “Pop Toss.”
This is a basic toss, sometimes called a J Toss or a vertical toss.
This toss has also been called helicopter toss in some places around the country
a simple skill that adds lyrical movement to equipment choreography. This skill has had so many different names around the country.
A skill that manipulates the flag from the bottom of the pole.
a skill that really swings!
Get ready to dance!
Standing with pride
The original bend to the bend and snap
Stretch those legs!
Stretch with a lift
A basic floor pattern: half circle on a straight line
You’ll get a kick out of this skill!
a graceful way to walk
When you gotta get somewhere fast!
chassé, not sashay!
Jump!
To everything turn, turn, turn…
let’s split!
Combine different dance patterns to enhance your variety
The triad is: body, form, and equipment
manipulating the flag while doing traveling dance steps
More fun combinations with flag and dance
A couple of flag exercises to get novices to learn to spin a rifle or sabre before they pick up the weapon.
Basic Weapon
learning the parts of our weapons
we’ve already learned this on flag - now try it on new equipment!
some people call basic weapon spins “drop spins”
articulation is what weapons are known for!
a piece of upside down cake!
let’s go a little bit faster!
it’s just a little tap…and a flip
Get ready for speed
speed follows accuracy!
That’s a whole lotta spin!
From simple spins to two-handed dropspins, all in one exercise!
I dip, you dip, we dip!
push and lock it
turn it in its spot
Toss!
Different speeds of spin in one exercise!
you can handle this
This is one time you don’t want to be sharp!
give it a flourish!
Just like the drum majors do it…kinda