Crazy Cradles and Baffling Body Moves

INTRODUCTION

If you have already read my first book “Diabolo Stick Grinds and Suicides,” then welcome back! If you haven’t, then shame on you - but it’s not too late...

In response to the never ending demand for new diabolo tricks, I have been urged - nay forced to write this second volume, within the pages of which you will find some 30 new tricks with 100 illustrations. Don’t worry - it’s been a labour of love. Honestly.

The book has three separate sections. The first - “crazy cradles” - contains a variety of string tricks from beginners cradles up to some terrifying tangles. The second - “baffling body moves” - is more of an expert section which expands upon the more common “around the limb” moves. Finally, as a bonus section for those of you who already own a copy of “Diabolo Stick Grinds and Suicides” - and as a taster for those who don’t - I present another handful of grinds and suicides, some of which are very nasty indeed.

There is certainly something for everyone, but a word of warning: many of the later tricks are designed for advanced diabolists. Some may take mweeks to learn, but do persevere, you have my solemn word that they are all possible.

Donald Grant - March 1993

INTRODUCTION TO CRADLES

A “cradle” roughly speaking, can be defined as any trick which involves manipulating the string to provide a desired effect. In some cases this involves weaving an intricate web in which the diabolo spins. Others involve tangling the diabolo in loops of string - only for it to mystically free itself.

Whichever moves you choose to use, they all provide intimate, static moments in routines which are essential in order to provide a contrast with the wild swinging, looping and throwing which most other diabolo moves tend to consist of.

Three important points:

1) First practice the moves with a friend holding the diabolo static, or with no diabolo at all. This will give you the time to figure out where everything goes.

2) If a trick doesn’t seem to work, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. If it still doesn’t work, ignore the text and just study the diagrams. Remember that all these tricks (with the exception of the Rip-Off) work on both sides - simply swap left for right and right for left, OK?

3) Long strings are usually better than short ones as you have more material to work with.

Good luck and happy weaving!

CAT’S CRADLE

This is the easiest of all cat’s cradle moves as the diabolo never leaves the string at any point.

1) After generating a moderate amount of spin, point your handsticks towards one another and move them together, one above the other.

2) By “pedalling” one handstick over the other you should reach this position.

3) “Pedal” again and the diabolo should sit in the small window in the middle of the cradle.

4) To escape, simply perform the manoeuvre in reverse.

Although this is a fairly simple “no risk of dropping” move, if you perform it quickly in the middle of a routine your audience will more often than not become pleasantly baffled.

(Veterans of “Diabolo Stick Grinds and Suicides” may recognise this as the first four moves of “Smoking Joe” !)

SWINGING CAT’S CRADLE

The procedure for this trick is almost exactly the same as for the ordinary cat’s cradle, although the end result is far more impressive.

All you need to do, once your diabolo is spinning, is turn your body 90 degrees (so you face the diabolo “side on”). From here simply perform the same “sticks together, pedal, pedal” sequence to form the cradle.

The diabolo can now swing quite happily in the window, and escape is again simply a case of reversing the steps.

NB The window for the swing must be slightly wider to accommodate the diabolo sideways.

CAT’S CRADLE II

Although significantly more difficult than the other cat’s cradle, the end product isn’t really any more impressive. In fact, your audience may find the intricate weaving more entertaining than the final product. Such is life: take the adulation where you can get it!

1) Perform an “unwrap and recapture” so you end up with your arms crossed.

2) Bring one handstick back across the other so that the string catches.

3) Insert the “moving” handstick into the triangle thus.

4) Pull tight and erect your handsticks to form something like this.

5) Ping the diabolo high into the air...

6) ...and catch it on top of the cradle.

To escape from this position, simply tip your handsticks downwards so that the string slides off, mysteriously untangled and with the diabolo still spinning upon it. Spooky eh?

TIGER’S CRADLE

The most impressive of all cat’s cradles. Not too hard to perform but almost impossible to explain: I hope the diagrams clarify any problems!

1) Point both handsticks upwards and grab a bit of string with each hand. Do not let go of the strings.

2) Weave the right handstick and string between the left handstick and string.

3) Then weave the left handstick and string between the right handstick and string.

4) Pull tight to achieve this (hopefully !)

5) Pop the diabolo up into the air.

6) Catch it on top (to thunderous applause).

To escape, all you have to do is release the strings and let them slip off your sticks (as in “Cat’s Cradle II”).

For extra brownie points try: Catching the diabolo in the middle window.

Performing a pirouette before catching the diabolo on top. Turning the cradle on its side and catching the diabolo in a grind on the stick!

STIRRING THE POT

A nice little cat’s cradle variation in which the diabolo is constantly moving, rather than just spinning. Consequently it takes just a bit more practice than the others but is well worth the effort - honestly.

1) Point one handstick straight up and grab the string with your hand.

2) Tip the handstick down horizontally in front of you.

3) Bring the other handstick over from the front, thus looping the string over the “flat” stick.

4) Insert the stick into the triangle and “stir”, pressing against the string so that the diabolo jumps over the stick. (Chef’s hat and moustache are optional).

To escape, simply reverse the steps!

For an extra challenge, try stirring in different directions or stirring with the handle of the handstick.

THE RIP OFF

The rip-off is one of those tricks which audiences always ask to see “just once more” in the vain hope of figuring out how it works. To be honest, I’m not 100% sure myself, so just follow the instructions and have faith. It does work. Somehow.

1) Turn your left handstick in towards you, keeping it horizontal.

2) Bring your right handstick around and over the front.

3) Then take it down...

4) And loop the string under the axle of the diabolo, coming back up on the inside.

5) Throw the diabolo upwards while pulling down firmly with both handsticks. The diabolo will fly free with a loud “fwip” noise, appearing to have somehow broken through the string.

Spooky or what ?

Oh yes, remember to catch it again when it comes down!

THE MAGIC KNOT

A thoroughly mystifying trick: study the following sequence carefully for true enlightenment...

REMEMBER:

Right handstick stays still.

Left handstick does all the work.

1) Loop the string over the right handstick.

2) Loop the string back under the diabolo.

3) The string then comes between the diabolo and the right handstick.

4) Then loop it back over the stick.

5) And back under the diabolo.

From this position, simply tip the right handstick forward so that the string slips off. The knot will have mysteriously unravelled itself.

Your audience will praise you as the greatest magician in the world (either that or tie you to a stake and burn you !)

REMEMBER: It’s over-under-between-over-under-off, OK?

REELING THE FISH (MULTIPLE STOPOVERS)

Many people have trouble getting tangled up during multiple stopovers. Well rest easy and behold, as the secret is given unto you below...

1) Perform a stopover, landing the diabolo three quarters of the way along the string.

2) Pull the diabolo back to half way along the string before...

3) ...performing the next stopover.

In this way it is possible to carry out two, three, or even four stopovers with relative ease.

Remember that the faster you perform them, the more impressed your audience will be, (especially under UV light where the fast, tight circling of the diabolo creates a wonderous effect !)

MILKING THE COW TO WINDSCREEN WIPER

It is a sad fact that audiences are easily impressed by tricks with fancy names. Announce that you will now attempt “the incredible milking the cow to windscreen wiper combination move !” Now that you have their attention...

1) Point your sticks upwards and grab the string with both hands.

2) Move the handsticks in an up-and-down, udder squeezing fashion.

3) Then move them in a side-to-side, windscreen wiping manner.

Prepare for torrents of abuse and deafening cries of “is that IT ???!”

FAKE YO-YO

A cunning illusion where the diabolo appears to climb and descend the string several times when in fact it does nothing of the kind.

1) Perform an “around the world with a stopover” on the right.

2) Raise the right handstick vertically so the diabolo is hanging over it against the string.

3) Now by simply pulling up and down with the left handstick, the diabolo will rise and fall at will.

Should anyone try to be smart by pointing out that it isn’t really climbing the string, then the following manoeuvre ought to shut them up:

1) Make sure the diabolo is spinning very fast.

2) Perform the fake yo-yo, this time looped over the left handstick.

3) When the diabolo is low down, slip the stopover loop off your left handstick and pull the string tight.

4) The diabolo will now climb the string for real.

So there.

BONDAGE TO WHIP

Here’s a saucy cat’s cradle variation guaranteed to drive your audiences wild. Probably.

1) Throw the diabolo into the air. Transfer both handsticks into one hand and loop the string around one or two fingers of the other hand.

2) Pull the string tight and catch the diabolo on top of both strings.

3) Split the two handsticks apart horizontally (flat, side by side, OK ?)

4) Transfer the loop of string onto the fingers of the hand holding the sticks. The diabolo. will sit quite happily in its little hammock.

5) Flick your hand firmly upwards while releasing the string. The diabolo will fly free with a “thwip” noise.

6) Aiming between your handsticks (and keeping them horizontally split) whip down on the descending diabolo, thereby performing a miraculous last minute catch.

This certainly isn’t easy but with practice it does work (most of the time anyway !)

INTRODUCTION TO BODY MOVES

Whereas most cat’s cradles are fairly easy once you have learned what to do, body moves are a different kettle of fish altogether. You can see what to do immediately, but it may take a great deal of practice before you are comfortable with the move.

Such is life.

This section presumes that you already have control over most basic body moves such as around the arm, leg, etc. None of the following moves require any extreme contortionism to perform, but in general the suppler you are, the more comfortable you will feel with some of them.

Most of the moves will feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, but once you are acclimatised, “around both arms with a figure of eight” will feel as comfortable as a simple around the leg (well, almost).

As with the cat’s cradles, a longer string is recommended.

Off we go then...

ONE HANDED AROUND THE LEG

If people are impressed by “around the leg” with two hands, they will be flabbergasted by the same trick performed with only one hand (and if they’re not, they damned well ought to be !)

1) Get the diabolo going around your favourite leg (everyone has a favourite leg).

2) As the diabolo is passing under your leg, transfer your handsticks into one hand in a Criss-cross, scissors type grip.

3) So long as the diabolo hasn’t lost its momentum, it is now just a question of moving the handsticks up and down to keep the diabolo circling.

This will feel a little awkward at first, but you should feel comfortable with it within a few days (or say 72 hours of continuous practice).

For bonus points try:

1) using your other hand.

2) using your other leg.

3) popping the diabolo out into a grind, then dropping it back in again - very tough indeed.

SITTING AROUND THE FEET

Some people are never satisfied.

You announce that you will hop the diabolo around both legs. You proceed to perform a dazzling display of figure of eights, when some smart Alec pipes up “both legs at the same time” ho ho ho!

You have two options:

a) whip the blighter to death with your string.

b) perform this trick and earn their undying respect (sort of).

1) Sit down (either on the floor or a chair, it doesn’t matter).

2) Insert both legs through the string.

3) Pass the diabolo around your legs - low throws work best.

There, now don’t you feel a better person for choosing the gentle option ?

No, I didn’t think so...

AROUND THE SHINBONE

No smart jokes about this trick, it’s simply very impressive and well worth the extra practice it takes to master it.

To “assume the position” either:

a) throw the diabolo high and catch it behind your back (impressive).

b) step over the string (practical).

From here, simply insert the appropriate limb and commence circling the diabolo around it.

The big secret is knowing where to look, as the diabolo does move in and out of your field of vision during the trick. I prefer to look under my arm, but others seem to look over their shoulders. It really depends on what shape your body is, so try both before deciding.

OVER THE SHOULDER

The “over the shoulder” catch is essentially the same as the “rubber-wrist” catch in “Diabolo Stick Grinds and Suicides” only it actually goes over the shoulder.

1) Pop the diabolo over your shoulder.

2) As it goes over, bend your wrist down and back as far as it will go, pulling the string tight. Catch the diabolo on the “triangle” of the string.

3) Bring your wrist back and allow the diabolo to swing through.

Then do it again.

The nice thing about this trick is that it almost looks like you’ve made a mistake, but manage to save it at the last second.

Want further challenges ? Try:

a) Performing alternating around the legs and over the shoulders.

b) Throwing the diabolo a little bit higher and doing a pirouette before the catch.

BEHIND THE FRONT

A pleasant around the body catch which is slightly easier with a shorter string.

1) Throw the diabolo into the air and put the string behind your back.

2) Now reach across your front with one hand and behind your back with the other. Pull the string tight.

3) Now try and catch the diabolo (not as easy as it appears !)

Practice the movement without the diabolo first, to give you a feel of just how awkward this really is.

Oh yes, and remember this move can be done on both sides (either left or right arm in front).

OVER THE HEAD

It’s not as easy as you may think: read the instructions carefully in order to obtain the desired effect.

1) Firstly, bend over at the waist: the diabolo is going over the back of your head, not the top.

2) Throw the diabolo so that it will go over the back of your head. DO NOT look at it after it has been thrown.

3) As the diabolo goes over, turn your face down and across to look at the other side.

4) Try to focus mainly on the string, and adjust it accordingly as the diabolo enters your peripheral vision.

If you try to watch the diabolo, it’s very hard to catch as you don’t know where the string is!

If you think this is hard, try “over the head tennis” with the diabolo bouncing from one side to the other. Not for the faint hearted.

OVER THE KNEE TO OVER THE HEAD

If you think the last trick was difficult, try this:

1) Practice circling the diabolo around your leg as closely as possible.

2) When you’re comfortable with this, try popping the occasional throw as an “over the head”.

3) Eventually, you can throw every second throw (or even every throw) as an “over the head”.

This trick can be done three different ways:

a) Kneeling (as illustrated).

b) Legs apart.

c) Standing on one leg.

Got it? Aaalllliright!

OVER THE FACE

This is such a good trick I don’t know whether it looks best from the front or the back. It takes a bit of flexibility, so be careful...

1) Get the diabolo behind you (by either catching it behind or by stepping over the string).

2) Lean back. Put your head against the string.

3) Circle the diabolo around, throwing over the face and letting it roll back behind the head.

BIG HINT: Don’t try following the diabolo with your head - watch it by moving your eyes only!

This one takes a lot of practice.

Don’t give up ! It is worth it.

THE GAROTTE

A cunning move which involves putting your neck on the line - literally.

1) Lean forward, and put your neck against the string.

2) Look towards the diabolo. Reach over your head and loop the string under the diabolo.

3) Keep looking towards the diabolo. Hold your breath. Lift the diabolo over your head firmly.

4) Let it swing round in front of you (your string/arms will now be crossed).

Please be careful and don’t pull the string too tight. Most diabolo tricks are easier with your head still attached!

DENTAL FLOSS

Oh dear, oh dear! From the creator of “Smoking Joe” comes another trick designed to test the might of your molars.

1) Turn to face the diabolo side on.

2) Bite the string in the middle

(don’t just tweak it - give it a good chomp!)

3) Bounce the diabolo from string to string.

Try to absorb the shock with your hands rather than your mouth. And don’t send me your dental bills.

AROUND THE ARMS

Most of these variations look difficult at first. To be honest, most of them look impossible at first. It was only once I saw Guy Heathcote performing some of them that I suddenly twigged that maybe they could be done. I went home and practiced them. And practiced them. And finally learnt. So now you can suffer as I did.

Variation 1: This is the basic “around both arms” move. Keep your elbows forward, forearms erect and wrists cocked.

Variation 2: Slightly trickier. The diabolo still goes around both arms but with a bounce (not a throw and a catch) in the middle.

Variation 3: Trickier still. The diabolo alternates between going around one arm and around both (both elbows remain against the string at all times).

Variation 4: Getting nasty now. Again the diabolo alternates between one arm and both, but this time it is thrown from, not into, the middle on the single arm circle (both elbows are still in there at all times).

Variation 5: Crikey! This move combines variations 3 and 4 so now the diabolo goes around one arm, then the other, then BOTH (Just follow the arrows, OK ?)

Variation 6: The ultimate, surely. The diabolo travels in a figure of eight pattern moving over and under both arms. This is extremely difficult as the diabolo is travelling against its natural spin for half the move.

If these aren’t enough to keep you busy for a year or two, try:

1) Combining around both arms with over the head.

2) Combining around both arms with over the leg.

3) Both of the above at the same time.

Still not enough ? Try:

4) Combining around both arms with sitting around the legs.

5) Sticking your head in as well to adopt the foetal position.

Believe me, they can all be done!

BONUS SECTION

For those of you who have already bought my first book “Diabolo Stick Grinds and Suicides,” this section contains a few new grind and suicide variations to challenge your dexterity.

By pure coincidence, it may also tempt all you others into finding out more about these particular moves. As a very brief introduction:

STICK GRINDS:

Any move where the diabolo spins (or “grinds”) against the handstick.

All of the following ideas will help your diabolo grind for longer:

1) Using a one piece axle.

2) Using fibreglass/aluminium handsticks.

3) Varnishing or painting your handsticks.

but by far, the best is

4) wax polishing your handsticks.

SUICIDES:

Any trick where the handstick is released and (hopefully) caught again.

The hardest thing about suicides is convincing yourself that you can

catch the stick. Confidence is just as important as skill, OK ? Most

suicides can be performed indoors, but it takes practice.

And remember, fluffed catch = broken stick!

MINI DUICIDE

Q. What’s the problem with a duicide?

A. It’s too difficult and when you try it indoors, you break your handsticks on the ceiling. If you find duicides are beyond you at the moment, try this miniature version instead.

1) Get into this position (the same way as the first steps of “bondage to whip”).

2) Swing the diabolo for an “around the world.” As the diabolo passes the 12 o’clock position, release both handsticks simultaneously and pull down gently with your “string” hand.

3) Catch both handsticks as they pinwheel round. Your ceiling should now be safe.

GYRO GRIND

Just when you thought that “grind to a halt” was the flashiest finishing trick ever...

1) Whip your diabolo using inside strokes only, so that it starts to turn towards you.

2) Once it is spinning as close to vertical as possible, throw it up and transfer both handsticks into one hand.

3) Catch the diabolo on the point of the stick where it will spin (hopefully) like a gyroscope.

4) Flick the diabolo up into the air.

5) Spear it with the handsticks - traditionally to tumultuous applause.

If that isn’t hard enough, try catching a gyro grind on the handle end of your stick, or even stick switch gyro grinds, hopping it from one stick to the other.

In your dreams, perhaps.

HAND GRIND

Another trick which I didn’t believe in until I saw Guy Heathcote doing it. A one piece axle seems to work best, as does a wider than average hand span.

1) Moisten your hand between thumb and forefinger.

2) Catch the diabolo against this point. Let it spin here for as long as possible (longer than two seconds is a miracle !)

3) Throw it back onto the string.

Not really a show stopping move but fun to try nonetheless.

I suppose you could try waxing your hand - it can’t be any more painful than waxing your legs, can it ?

MOUTHSTICK GRINDS

Here’s a trick for all the budding Rastellis out there. The world of mouthstick grinds is still relatively unexplored, but here are a few suggestions.

1) Throw from string, catch on mouthstick, throw back onto string.

2) Throw from grind on either stick, catch on mouthstick, throw back onto either handstick.

3) Throw onto mouthstick from willy grind/trilly grind/grind behind.

4) Pirouette grind onto/off mouthstick.

5) Catch gyro grind on mouthstick.

6) From mouthstick, throw diabolo up, circle mouthstick around it, catch on mouthstick.

7) From mouthstick, throw, pirouette, catch back on mouthstick.

Don’t forget: mouthsticks need waxing too !

UNDERCIDE

Not that much harder than a normal suicide, and a much more impressive way of ending up with your arms crossed than a simple stick swap or unwrap.

1) Perform the start of an “unwrap and recapture.”

2) Swing the diabolo right under, crossing your arms as you do so. When the diabolo swings to 12 o’clock, release your handstick.

3) Catch the handstick as it pinwheels around.

4) Re-cross your arms.

Try to look calm, confident and composed throughout the trick.

Audiences will believe anything these days.

GRIND BEHIND

What can I say ? This move came to me suddenly in a flash of genius - not only that, but it works too !

1) Perform a proper grind on the handstick of your choice.

2) Carry it around behind your back as far as you can reach.

3) Throw it up over your shoulder.

4) Catch it, either on the string or back into a grind.

You can do a “back cross” type manoeuvre by performing a grind behind over the left shoulder, catching it on your other handstick, then doing one over your right shoulder.

But it ain’t easy.

MULTICIDE

Initially, this trick may not look worthy of inclusion. All it seems to be is halfway between a suicide and a stick suicide. Do not let your eyes deceive you.

1) Perform an “around the world with a stopover” on the right hand side.

2) Lift your left handstick.

3) Let it go.

4) Making a small circular gesture with your right handstick, the diabolo and stick should both flip round.

Now the big challenge lies in learning to control the final stage. With a lot of practice, the repetition of the circular gesture will allow you to suicide the handstick around twice (yes, twice !) before catching it.

Triples may be possible too!

Go for it!

FURTHER AND BEYOND

You mean you want harder moves than these ? Well ...

The best advice I can offer is to try to use your brain when you’re practicing. The more you think about the move you are working on, the more likely you are to come up with an original variation of your own.

In the meantime, here are a few more suggestions:

1) Try combining one hand around the legs with around the shinbone.

(Try switching hands too !)

2) Experiment with around the body moves in various recumbent positions.

3) Introduce bounces and grinds into cat’s cradles.

4) Body moves around parts of other people’s bodies (very intimate).

Apart from all these, there are of course all the opportunities for body moves, grinds, suicides, and even cradles involving two diabolos. But don’t worry about that for the moment, they’ll keep for another volume.

See you then.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks go out to all the following people, without whose influence this book might have turned out even worse than it has...

Stewart Hutton of Circustuff, for agreeing to suffer proof reading and publishing my illegible manuscript again.

Pearse Halfpenny, as without him the cat’s cradle section would have been very, very short indeed.

Guy Heathcote, for proving to me that all the around the arms variations are possible - and the hand grind!

Brendan Brolly, for showing me all his elegant sequences and tricks.

Irene from Kiel, Germany, for the tiger’s cradle.

Ewan Buchanan, for the dental floss trick.

Oh yes, and Charlie Holland for pointing out (too late) that a willy grind would be better called an organ grind. Ho hum.

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