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Step 1
Obtain a good source of instruction. This could be a DVD, a magic instructor or a book such as Mark Wilson's "Complete Course in Magic." For a book specifically on coins try "Modern Coin Magic" by Bobo or Hugard and Braue's "Royal Road to Card Magic" for cards.
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Step 2
Practice diligently. This cannot be emphasized enough. Sleights must be performed without looking at the hands and frequently while talking or performing covering actions.
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Step 3
Using a mirror, monitor the progress of the sleight practice. This is the traditional method for magicians to monitor their progress. Thanks to modern technology, today's performers can set up a camcorder or web cam to record their practice sessions for later review instead.
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Step 4
Reveal new sleights publicly only after they can be performed perfectly every time. Never perform any sleight of hand until it has been perfected. Magicians who reveal their effects because they have not practiced enough should save everyone time, and simply hand out instructions to their tricks to the audience.
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Step 5
Remember that sleight of hand alone does not constitute good magic. Only magicians are impressed by sleights. Audiences want to be entertained, not merely fooled. The actual workings of any magic effect is not nearly as important as the performance built around it.
