How to Use the French Drop Sleight of Hand

The French Drop magic trick is an old trick that involves a sleight of hand. With the French Drop, you make a small object disappear and reappear in a different location.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 small balls

1. Hold one of the balls between the thumb and middle finger of your left hand.

2. Stick the thumb of your right hand underneath the ball in between your middle finger and thumb of your left hand.

3. Bring all 4 of your fingers of your right hand down to completely cover the ball.

4. Release the ball from the finger and thumb of your left hand as soon as the ball is hidden until it drops into your palm.

5. Finish closing your right hand and rotate it out to look like you have just taken the ball, but in fact it is in your left hand. Lay your left hand loose on the table so it looks like there is nothing in it.

6. Give your right hand a small squeeze, and then open it to reveal that it is empty.

7. Reach into your pocket, where you have an identical ball, with your right hand and pull out the ball as if it has appeared there by magic.

Tips & Warnings

• After you pretend to take the ball with your right hand focus your audience's attention on that right hand to keep it off the hand that actually holds the ball.
• Stand in front of the mirror and take the ball for real to see what your hands look like when you are actually grasping the ball. Then try to emulate the action when you drop the ball into your palm.
• You can also do the French Drop with a coin or any other small object.