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Step 1
Perform advanced tricks by first having the skill to perform the basic tricks such as the thumbspin, thumbspin reverse, halftap and levitator before moving on to the harder combinations and freestyle variations. Learn to throw and catch unmoving objects with the back of your hand first, then the side of your hand. Progress to letting the pencil spin when it lands on your hand.
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Step 2
Relax your hands. Tension will make the tricks come off looking jerky. Keep your fingers loose. Don't make your fingers straight or you will end up tiring out. A certain amount off dexterity is key to twirling pencils fluidly.
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Step 3
Be patient and practice all the time. Don't over exert your self, be sure to take breaks so you don't ruin the health of your hand.
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Step 4
Keep your eye on the pencil. Concentrate so you can see any errors or sloppiness. If you aren't paying attention, you will learn to execute the trick wrong and that is hard to break the habit. Once the trick is flawless, then you can do it without watching.
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Step 5
Heat up your hand. Warm hands are more flexible. The greater the flexibility, the better the pencil twirls in the fingers. Simply relax your hand for a while to let the blood flow back in or soak them in warm water.
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Step 6
Find several tutorial sites on the Internet. Most have videos of the tricks as well as step by step instructions. Pencil Ninja David Weiss has several good websites (see Resources).
