Although throwing & catching is the first trick everyone learns, the high toss is one of the most popular trick for a non-diaboloist crowd.
Make sure your string is not too long, so it is easier to keep the string taut (step 3).
It is also better to learn outside or somewhere with a high ceiling for obvious reasons.
As always the tutorial is described for righties so if you are left handed switch right and left in the step by step explanation.
PREREQUISITES
The only thing you need to know is how to give your diabolo some speed.
STEP BY STEP EXPLANATION
STEP 1 :
Accelerate the diabolo, make sure it’s not tilted and not wobbling.
STEP 2 – the throw :
Make sure your string is open (no wraps), then your arms go up and apart.
If your arms only go up, the throw will not be high and you won’t have control of where the diabolo goes.
You can get away with only pulling your arms apart, but you will need your arms up to catch the diabolo.
STEP 3 :
Keep your string taut, with your dominant hand pointing at the diabolo’s axle.
If your string isn’t taut, the diabolo is harder to catch
If your hands are at the same height when the diabolo touches the string, it will bounce back up (this is the trampoline trick). With your dominant hand higher you have more time for step 4
STEP 4 – the catch :
When the diabolo touches the string, bring your arms down and closer together to finish in the starting position.
WHAT’S NEXT ?
Once you’ve mastered the throw and catch, try to do a pirouette (cartwheel, backflip, scratch your nose,…) when the diabolo is in the air, or learn those next:
- Grind (you’ll have to know how to correct too)
- Loop
- Darkside catch
- Trampoline
- Trapeze (knowing the sun will help)
This trick paves the way for all the tricks where the diabolo leaves the string.
For more 1 diabolo tricks, check out the list of available tutorials.