How to Use Devil Sticks
Despite their name, devil sticks aren't evil; in fact, they can be a pretty good time. Devil sticks get their name from the Greek word 'devil' meaning 'to throw across'. Devil sticks come in a set of three: one devil stick and two hand sticks. They're often wrapped in suede and come in multiple colors. Often you'll see devil sticks at your local music festival or anywhere you smell patchouli.
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Instructions
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Hold one hand stick in each hand with your index fingers extended. Start on your knees and have the devil stick stand up in front of you.
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Begin to volley the devil stick as you keep the hand sticks totally parallel. Each time you make contact with the devil stick, try to make the motion a vertical lift rather than a hit. Keep your hits about four to six inches from the top of the devil stick. When you hit close to the top, the devil stick will move faster; if you hit close to the center, it will flip. These are both useful tricks for later when you're trying to impress the grilled cheese vendor, but for now, practice your tick-tock.
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Try a two-handed start after you've perfected your tick-tock. Lay the devil stick across your hand stick and slowly slide one of your hand sticks out from under the devil stick. Use the opposite hand stick to lift the devil stick and start the tick-tock.
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Push up forcefully just under the center line of your devil stick once you've got a tick-tock going. This will start your propeller spin. Now use your hand stick and push up again in the same place to keep the spin going.
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Try other tricks like the one-hand, helicopter or juggling. In no time you'll be wowing the crowd and getting invited to drum circles.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't get discouraged. Devil sticks aren't easy to use, and it takes lots of practice to get to the point where you can do tricks. Luckily, all you need to practice are your sticks and a space free of breakables.
