Quick answer: candlesticks is a motion with both arms reaching straight forward, parallel to the ground at about shoulder height, with the fists turned so the thumb side faces up - as if holding a candle upright in each hand. It's the close companion to buckets, differing only in the fist rotation.
What Does It Look Like?
Both arms extend straight out in front of the body, level with the shoulders, parallel to each other and roughly shoulder-width apart. The fists are turned so the thumbs are on top and the fists face each other - the grip you'd use to hold a candlestick without spilling the wax.
Hands and Arms
The arms are locked straight and level, with tight fists and straight wrists. The thumb side of each fist faces the ceiling. The arms stay parallel rather than angling in towards each other.
Common Mistakes Judges Notice
- Fists rotated the wrong way - knuckles up, which turns candlesticks into buckets.
- Arms drooping below shoulder height.
- Arms angling together in front of the body.
- Bent elbows or wrists.
Candlesticks vs Buckets
| Candlesticks | Buckets | |
|---|---|---|
| Arm position | Straight forward, shoulder height | Straight forward, shoulder height |
| Fist rotation | Thumb side up | Knuckles up, fists facing down |
| Named after | Holding a candle upright | Carrying a bucket by its handle |
Because the two positions differ only at the wrist, teams often drill them back to back so every athlete hits the same rotation.
Where It Fits in a Routine
Candlesticks appear in chants and dances as a forward-reaching accent, often in a sequence with buckets or with overhead motions. In a chant, a quick change from buckets to candlesticks is a common way to add a sharp visual beat without moving the arms.
Easily Confused With
- Buckets - identical arms, different fist rotation.
- Touchdown - parallel arms, but reaching straight up instead of forward.
Related Motions
See buckets, the touchdown and the T motion, or browse the full motion chart.