How to Do a Diabolo Stick Grind

Diabolo is a form of juggling that utilizes a handled rope and a balancing widget known as a diabolo cup. Invented in China over 4,000 years ago, diabolo juggling continues to grow in popularity in the States. There are two kinds of stick grind: a right-hand and a left-hand grind. The instructions below are for a right-hand grind; reverse it for a left-hand grind.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cup
• Sticks

1. Hold the diabolo sticks firmly in your hands shoulder-width apart with the stick facing straight out in front if you. This trick is easier when performed standing up.

2. Balance the cup in the center of the rope before tossing it lightly straight up in the air. Be sure to conduct Step 3 almost simultaneously to Step 2.

3. Turn the stick in your right hand so that it points to the left with a quick flick of your wrist. Hold the stick in this horizontal position.

4. Catch the cup on your right hand stick and balance it there. This may take a bit of practice to master so don't expect to do it the first time. Hold this position for a few seconds.

5. Toss the cup off the right stick into the air so it lands on the left side of the rope. Again, this is a matter of a flick of the wrist, and the timing and balance will take time to learn.

6. Vary the down movement by tipping the right stick down to the left when the diabolo is upon it. This will let the cup slide back down the rope to the center and lowest point.

7. Practice reversing Steps 1 through 6 to perform the trick using the left hand and left stick.