Instruction #1: Where to stand

There are really only three key things to know before you start spinning. The first is your body position. You should always have one of the two cups facing you so that the other cup is facing away from you.

This position must always be maintained by you following the diabolo’s changes!!

In other words, the diabolo will often rotate slightly and you have to follow it. You have to constantly follow it with your feet, hips, belly, arms, shoulders, and head. You cannot decide where to stand; the diabolo makes that decision for you.

So the best way to feel comfortable making these adjustments is with your feet about shoulder length apart, and not cemented to the ground. Be ready to move your feet.

Figure 1:

Figure shows how most diabolists begin. The diabolo is on the ground. Click for Larger View

Figure 2:

Figure shows the diabolist’s view. Notice the grip on the sticks- how the sticks are held and also where the hands are on the sticks. It’s a matter of comfort how high you put your hands on the sticks. Now notice how the two sticks are only about 8 in. apart, side-by-side, and parallel. If your body is properly aligned with the diabolo, then the diabolo can be seen between the two sticks like a car driving straight down the road. Click here for Larger View