How to Do Diabolo Juggling

Diabolo juggling uses a diabolo, string and two sticks. The diabolo originated in China over 5000 years ago and continues to amuse people all over the world. The diabolo is the second oldest juggling prop known to man, and everyone – men, women and children can do diabolo juggling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Diabolo
• Strings
• Handsticks

1. Attach your string to your handsticks. To get the right string length, tie one end to one of your sticks and lay in on the ground. Bring the string up to somewhere in between your chin and lower lip. That is the right amount of string. While learning, it is easier to use a shorter string and move to a longer string when you are ready to learn tricks.
2. Start with your diabolo laying on the ground off to your right side. You should have a stick in each hand.
3. Drag the diabolo across the ground towards your left side. When it gets to the end of your left hand reach, lift it off the ground gently.
4. Jerk with your right hand stick to keep your diabolo spinning. Use your wrist and not your elbow to jerk your handstick. Jerking the handstick controls the speed of your diabolo.
5. Tap the diabolo with your right handstick if it starts to turn. Tapping the front of the diabolo will move it to the left and touching the back of the diabolo will turn it to the right.
6. Practice, and once you have mastered starting and spinning your diabolo, you will be ready to learn how to do tricks. Check out websites like Juggling World to learn tricks that will amaze and entertain family and friends. (See link in Resources.)

Tips & Warnings

• Most diabolos come with handsticks and string.