Training Pen & Pencil for Baton Drills: How to Use

By Training Videos | UsingASPBatons | asp-usa.com | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use an ASP Training Pen & Pencil as a practical prop for baton drills. Step-by-step guide for instructors and students.

Quick Answer

Use the ASP Training Pen & Pencil as a compact, realistic prop to practice baton retention, disarming, and close-quarters strikes during drills.

Why Use a Training Pen for Baton Drills

A training pen mimics the size and weight of a small impact tool or edged weapon, making it ideal for drills that focus on weapon retention and close-quarters defense. Unlike a training knife, a pen is less intimidating for new students and easier to carry in a pocket or duty belt pouch.

The ASP Training Pen & Pencil is a dual-function prop that also writes, so it can be used during classroom instruction or administrative tasks without raising suspicion. Its realistic weight and grip texture help simulate the feel of a real tactical pen.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

The Training Pen & Pencil is not designed for high-impact striking drills. It is a writing instrument with a polymer body, not a reinforced impact tool. Use it primarily for technique and positioning, not for full-force strikes against hard surfaces or training partners.

Because it lacks a pocket clip or lanyard ring, it can be dropped during dynamic drills. Instructors should remind students to maintain a secure grip and consider using a retention lanyard if available.

Step-by-Step: Using the Training Pen in Baton Drills

Step 1: Establish a Secure Grip: Hold the Training Pen & Pencil with your dominant hand as you would a tactical pen—index finger along the body, thumb on the opposite side, and remaining fingers wrapped around. Keep the writing tip facing forward or downward depending on the drill. Common mistake: gripping too loosely or letting the pen slip between fingers. Practice the grip before adding movement.
Step 2: Simulate a Weapon Retention Scenario: Have a partner attempt to grab the pen from your hand while you maintain your baton-ready stance. Use the pen as the object of retention—practice rotating your wrist, pulling the pen close to your body, and using your free hand to block or redirect the attacker's arm. Checkpoint: keep the pen tip pointed away from your own body to avoid accidental contact during retention drills.
Step 3: Practice Disarming Techniques: With the pen held by your partner (simulating an attacker with a small weapon), practice disarming techniques you would use for a knife or screwdriver. Focus on controlling the hand holding the pen, not the pen itself, and redirecting the point away from your body. Common mistake: grabbing the pen instead of the attacker's hand. Always control the limb, not the weapon.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pen into Baton Striking Drills: Hold the pen in your support hand while your dominant hand holds the training baton. Practice transitioning between baton strikes and pen strikes on a padded target. The pen can simulate a follow-up strike to soft targets (eyes, throat, groin) after a baton block. Checkpoint: never strike a partner with the pen at full force. Use slow, controlled motions or a padded dummy.
Step 5: Use the Pen as a Distraction or Probe: During scenario-based drills, use the pen to simulate writing or checking a notebook. When the role-player approaches, transition quickly to a baton-ready position. This builds situational awareness and the ability to switch from administrative to defensive mode. Common mistake: telegraphing the transition by looking down at the pen. Practice keeping your eyes on the threat while your hands move.

Product Details

ASP Training Pen & Pencil: The ASP Training Pen & Pencil features a dual writing system: ballpoint pen on one end and .5mm lead pencil on the other, with a removable Strike Force Logo cap and white polymer eraser. The dual writing function makes it a practical everyday carry item that doubles as a training prop, so instructors can demonstrate techniques without needing a separate tool.
ASP Training Pen & Pencil