Today, we’re diving into the first fundamental Indian Club movement every beginner should master, the single inside mill.
With this variation of the mill, the elbow creates an inside elbow circle moving the club from the back of the body to the front of the body.
The inside mill is where lateral swinging movements begin with the Indian club and serves as the foundation for more complex swinging patterns that we’ll cover later on.
Instructions
- Start with the club in the front stack position (elbow tucked to ribs, wrist neutral, knuckles facing up). Stand tall and relaxed.
- Drop the club across the front of the body into the sabre position, the club should be an extension of the forearm (everything in a straight line).
- Swing out to the side into the ‘Y’ position.
- Move into the sword-in-sheath position, creating a triangle between the forearm and bicep (don’t go too low).
- Perform an inside elbow circle and return the club to the front stack position.
- Start slow, pause and ensure you’re hitting the correct positions: front stack, cast, Y, sword in sheath, inside elbow circle, and back to front stack.
- Once proficient, gradually increase speed and reduce pauses.
Common Mistakes
- Reaching too far across the body: Keep the bicep connected to the ribs. Unlike performing a mill with a steel club, where the arm fully locks, this movement should stay compact.
- Incorrect sword-in-sheath position: With a steel club, the tricep should be in full flexion, bringing the thumb to the t-shirt line. With an Indian club, the thumb should only touch the back of the head, creating a triangle between the forearm and bicep.
- Driving the circle with the wrist instead of the elbow: The elbow should initiate the movement, while the wrist simply holds the club.
