What Is Drill Team?

Well, I have to say, I've gotten behind in keeping up with the four part "What Is" series. And I apologize for that. But, here we go, with part two, "What Is Drill Team"?

Drill Team is, in a nutshell, a group of 4 to 7 people, who have all been in Dog 4-H for at least one year, coming together and creating a routine to music to perform and/or compete at Fair. It requires more time and dedication, but is a great way to get to know the Dog 4-Hers in your county better, be creative, and have fun with your dog!

When your Drill Team group comes together, you guys have choices to make! What sequencing of music are you going to use? Based on that, what type of costumes? Will you do a dance or skit? Most importantly, what is your routine going to look like? How creative are you going to be? You do get judged on all of these things and more!

When coming up with a routine, you must follow the rules for competing. You have to have a certain number of sits, downs, stands, moving circles(when you are walking in a circle with your dogs), halts, recalls, etc. It's no small job to put together a routine, with all the requirements met and staying within your music time, which also has a time limit. But if you can do it, it can look amazing!

When doing the long down, which is one minute, are you just going to stand there? no way! Get creative! Do a dance, act out a skit, so do something!!!! Enjoy yourself! Drill team is made to be fun, and the long down is a great way to show off some of your club's creativity!

Costumes and music...hmm....well this is all a personal choice. You do have regulations on both, they must be appropriate, but there is plenty of room for creativity. You could do nearly anything!!!!!!! You can also dress your dogs up to help play the part if they will oblige to wearing a costume.

Yes, it is more work. It takes more time. But it is so rewarding. You get the chance to get to know your fellow 4-Hers from other clubs also showing dogs, as this team can be any Dog 4-Hers in your county, you get a closer relationship with your dog, and have fun! You learn teamwork, and everyone is equal. You are not working to be better alone, but better as a team.

I, personally, am active in my club's Drill Team and love it. I encourage anyone who is interested in Dog 4-H, or who has been involved into it, to check it out. It is a very rewarding experience! Our team is heading to State here soon, wish us luck as we try to take some awards!