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How to Use a Whip Top

A whip top may also be called a whipping top, and it is an old-fashioned children's toy. A whip top consists of two parts. The first is a small top that is meant to spin on its narrow end, and the second part is a whip, which is usually a length of cord attached to a wooden handle. The aim of the game is to keep the top spinning as long as possible using only the whip.

Instructions

- 1
  Wrap the length of the whip around the top. Usually there is a groove where the cord is meant to fit.
- 2
  Place the top narrow end down on the ground. A smooth surface with no cracks is a good place for whipping a top.
- 3
  Balance the top on its narrow end by laying a finger gently on the center of the top.
- 4
  Set the top to spinning by pulling the whip away with a firm motion, taking your finger away from the top as you do so.
- 5
  Keep the top spinning by lashing it with the whip. The goal is to get the cord end of the whip wrapped around the top so that it can be spun again. This is harder to do than the first part and requires some practice.

Childrens Toys