How do you juggle a diabolo?

Answer 1

The first step in using a diabolo is to get it spinning properly. The below explanation is going to assume the reader is right handed. As usual, if you're left handed, please reverse the instructions accordingly.

1. Hold one stick in each hand, and have the diabolo sitting on the ground, with the string touching, but underneath, the axle. The axle should be perpendicular to the string, and the string should be parallel to your shoulders.
2. Move either the diabolo or your body such that the diabolo is about 1.5 feet (~0.5m) to your right.
3. Drag the diabolo to your left, making sure that it does not leave the ground until the very last second. The objective here is to give it a good initial spin, so that you have some time to start step 4.
4. Holding loosely with your left hand, move your right handstick as if you were striking a drum. Be sure you're moving your right handstick completely vertically, not horizontally at all

Notes:

• When you are dragging the diabolo to the left, be sure that it doesn't skid. This is a slower movement than most people think it is.
• The diabolo may begin tilting forward or backward. If it begins to tilt forward, move your right hand closer to your body. If it begins to tilt backward (toward you) move your right hand away from your body
• The diabolo may turn so that its axle is no longer perpendicular to your shoulders. If this happens, move your entire body to regain proper orientation
• The length of string you're using should be about the same as the distance between the ground and your shoulder. However, some beginners tend to find a slightly (~10cm) shorter string easier
• If you have a diabolo that is one solid color, you may find it useful to put a small sticker on the outside of one of the cups. This allows you to see how quickly the diabolo is spinning

At this point, you are doing what most diaboloists would call spinning a diabolo (not juggling it). In order to do what non-diaboloists normally call juggling a diabolo, you must be able to throw and catch it. Here's how:

1. Get the diabolo spinning quickly enough that it does not wobble
2. Spread your arms quickly, launching the diabolo into the air
3. Raise your right handstick about 1 foot (0.3m) above your left handstick, keeping the string from going slack
4. Aim to catch the diabolo on the right part of your string, about 1 foot (0.3m) away from your handstick

Notes:

• A diabolo thrown too high is easier to catch than a diabolo thrown too low. As a start, it is normally recommended that a beginner try to throw the diabolo at least 3 feet (1m) above his/her head.
• It is not recommended that you learn how to throw and catch a diabolo indoors, unless you have quite a bit of room (in a gym, or the like)
• Remember that your string is not in the same place as your hand. Sometimes it takes some practise to calibrate your catches so that you catch the middle of the diabolo
• When the diabolo is in the air, you should be looking at its axle. This makes it easier to catch it.