No.320
Diabolo: Basic Spinning
Japanese name: ディアボロの回転入門
Materials
- A soft beginner’s diabolo
- A purpose-made string with a handstick at each end
How to play
- Hold one handstick in each hand and make a U-shaped string beneath the diabolo’s axle. Check the string length with an adult against the product instructions.
- For a right-handed start, slowly roll the diabolo from right to left on the floor, then lift it on the string. Keep its two cups side by side across your field of view.
- Move the dominant handstick up and down slightly to add spin, using the other as support. Keep the diabolo low, between knee and waist height.
- If the diabolo tilts or the string tangles, lower the sticks and gently set it on the floor. Wait for it to stop before adjusting; never pull forcefully.
- Aim first for 3 seconds of spinning, then 10. Rest after about three attempts each and stop it completely before passing it on. Do not attempt aerial throws.
Ways to adapt
Younger primary: rolling along the floor. Older primary and adults: maintaining spin.