How to Use Whips

Using a whip takes skill.

Whips are held by ringmasters in the circus and are often seen in western movies. They make a cracking noise when whipped forward. Making that sound and mastering the whip takes a lot of practice, and you could even injure yourself in the process. But to start, you can practice some basic whip techniques and then progress forward from there. Don't get frustrated, because with some work you'll be cracking the whip just like in the movies.

Instructions

1. Hold the whip in the same hand you use to write, and make sure the end of the whip is running straight behind you without any curves or bends in it at all. Hold the handle so your thumb points towards the ground and the arm is straight down at your side.

2. Find a target to aim towards. Lift your arm up from the shoulder in a fluid and quick motion, with your hand ending up above the shoulder, your palm by your ear, and your arm bent at the elbow with your elbow pointing towards the target. Keep a consistent speed such that the whip moves fluidly through the air and doesn't flop around in the process, with no jerking motions.

3. Step forward with the leg opposite your primary hand just as the tip of the whip starts to drop down behind your arm. Flip your hand forward as you're stepping forward and throw the end of the whip towards the target. Snap your wrist as you're doing this like you would if you were hammering a nail into wood. End the motion with your hand pointing towards the target.

Tips & Warnings

• This will take lots of practice to do correctly, and it helps to take your time. Work through each step individually and slowly so that you don't injure yourself in the process. A successful version of this process forms a loop in the whip as you're throwing it forward.

• Never aim the whip at a person or an animal; the lash can cause severe pain and injury, and the cracking sound can scare animals.

References

• Bullwhip.org: Bullwhip FAQ - The Forward Crack