[jimmy davies]

this is gonna sound really stupid but my sister taught me how to do it when she was a majorette twirling baton. The easiest way I know how to describe it is to do what was already suggested above. Put the stick in between your first and second finger about half way up the stick and shuffle your fingers back and forth. It will look and feel very foolish at first, but it will come.

Try not to practice at gigs if you can help it! hehehe

Jimmy