How to Flick a Coin

It is preferable to flick a smaller coin.

Coins are flicked in soccer, cricket, volleyball, hockey and many other sports to decide the team that begins the game. Groups of friends also flick coins to decide whose turn is next for doing a specific task or playing a game. You can also show the rule of gravity to kids by flicking a coin and then having it pulled back down to the ground. To flip a coin, you can use a dime or a nickel. It is always preferable to use a smaller coin, as it weighs less and flicks more easily.

Things You'll Need

• Coin

Instructions

1. Close your left or right hand while placing the thumb above the index finger, so it is exposed on the top. Fix the tip of the thumb slightly into the side of the index finger so your thumb gets into a locked position. Push the index finger inwards, which will further apply pressure on the tip of the thumb. You will use the pressure created on the thumb tip to generate a force in the upward direction. When you release this pressure off the thumb tip by pulling it upwards with some force, the coin will flick in the air. Practice releasing the thumb tip out of this position a couple of times to master the flicking.

2. Use the other free hand to place the coin just above the "locked" thumb tip.

3. Flip the coin by releasing the tip of your thumb with a sudden thrust in the upward direction. The greater the thrust you generate at the tip of the thumb, the better the flick you get.

Tips & Warnings

• Extend your arm away from your body so the coin does not hit your face or eyes when it is flicked in the air. Practice coin flicking several times to master it.