Gymnastic Club - What is Its Connection With the Mills?

The club is held rather lightly between the thumb and first finger in order to allow for ease of manipulation, but though the grip is nowhere near as firm as that required for the swings, care must be taken to ensure that it is sufficiently tight to maintain contact throughout.

A grip which is too loose can result in the club flying out of the hand - possibly causing damage. In the learning stages, one club may be discarded, and the manipulations practiced with one hand at a time. Start by holding the arm down in front of the body, and circle the club in the door plane, outwards first, then inwards.

The technique involves a pivot action of the head of the club between the thumb and first two fingers rather than a circling action of the wrist, which means that the grip must not be too rigid. In trying to achieve the correct technique, imagine that it is the club which is doing the work, and not the wrist.

Change hands frequently so that practice is gained with the left hand also and then finally try the movement with a club in each hand, initially both clubs circling in the same direction. Mill circles in the wheel place are considered by some to be easier than those in the door place, but that is for you to decide.

The action is basically the same. The arm is held down at the side and the club rotated backwards or forwards at the side of the body. However, because of the position at the side of the body, the hand has to be turned outwards for the backward rotation, and more movement of the wrist is necessary.