Step-by-Step Diabolo Instructions

Identifying the Parts

• Before getting started juggling a diabolo, first understand the equipment involved. The most important piece is the diabolo itself, an hourglass-shaped object often made of plastic. Next, get familiar with the names of the hands. The dominant hand is called the lifting hand, while the non-dominant hand is called the holding hand.

Spinning

• Lay the diabolo flat on the ground outside of the lifting hand. Raise the lifting hand up to pull the diabolo between each hand, but lift the lifting hand up again to bring it off the ground before it runs out of steam. Throughout all this, the holding hand should move only slightly as there is no need for any dramatic movement. This will get the diabolo into a stabilizing spin. Follow this process until it is spinning steadily. Once it is at a sufficient height, quickly lower the lifting hand, allowing the diabolo to fall a bit. At this point, the diabolo should only light touch the string. Repeat this quickly and the diabolo should spin without a problem.

Tossing

• Once the diabolo has begun spinning, wait until it is centered between the hand-sticks then pull them apart until they are taut. This should shoot it straight up into the air. When retrieving it, hold the lifting hand over your head and slightly higher than the holding hand. Keep the string taut until the diabolo lands, then immediately give slack to avoid bouncing it off again. Make the catch closer to the lifting hand than the holding hand.