Two Hot to Handle

Congratulations! In your hands you are holding the world’s first ever book written entirely on two (and three) diabolo technique. Not since Shakespeare’s first collected edition in 1623 has there been such a monumental and life changing event in the world of publishing. That’s my theory, anyway, and I’m sticking to it.

A few years ago, this book would almost certainly never have had an audience: two diabolos were considered a trick reserved only for the upper echelons of the diabolo world. Fortunately, these days, the idea of “two on one string” is becoming far more acceptable. (In fact, people seem keen to try to learn two almost as soon as they’ve learned to control one!)

This book, therefore, is for all those people who have tried unsuccessfully to learn “two” or for those who have learned it but can’t get any further. It is especially for anyone who has approached me at a workshop, show or convention, asked me for some help, and all I’ve managed to say is something pathetic like “erm...well...you kinda do this...and, ur...a bit of this.”

As you have seen from the cover, I have enlisted the help of Guy Heathcote in compiling this volume. Guy (just in case you don’t know) is one of Europe’s foremost diabolists and the only person I know who can do three diabolos properly. Following Guy’s advice on any trick is recommended (unlike following any of my advice...)

The hardest trick with two diabolos is actually learning how to control them in the first place. Be patient; take your time; if it is any consolation it took me a good couple of months before I felt fully confident with it. Just remember, many of the tricks aren’t too difficult, so long as you can keep the shuffle under control. If you feel disheartened at any point, just have a quick glance at the three diabolo section, that’ll make you feel better (maybe).

So what are you waiting for? Pop down to your local juggling shop, buy that second diabolo and commit yourself to several weeks of hardship and frustration. Once you’ve learned, you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about. See you in the next edition!

Donald Grant - July 1993

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START

Before we plunge headlong into the wonderful world of two diabolos, here are a few handy hints to help you on your way...

1) Don’t panic!

2) Use diabolos which are the same size and weight.

3) Large diabolos tend to be easier to control than smaller ones.

4) European “rubber cup” style diabolos tend to be better than the traditional Chinese “two wheeled” variety.

5) Length of string doesn’t really have to be any different from that which you use for one diabolo BUT longer strings lend themselves to larger, slower circles (which gives you more time to think!)

6) Using different coloured diabolos will help you in following the more complicated “round the world” variations.

7) The tricks in this book are assembled roughly in ascending order of difficulty but this is in no way absolute. If you do get stuck with a trick then by all means try some of the “harder” ones. You may in fact find them to be “easier”.

8) This book is by no means encyclopaedic; there are probably many more tricks which are possible with two diabolos. Roughly speaking, “anything that’s possible with one should be possible with two”.

9) The hardest two diabolo trick you will ever learn is controlling two diabolos itself, so don’t be disheartened.

10) Don’t panic (again!)

THE NATURE OF THE SHUFFLE

The “shuffle” is the most basic trick with two diabolos. It is the pattern from which almost all the two diabolo moves are derived, and consists of both diabolos turning in tight circles, 180 degrees apart.

As the diabolos move around in a circle, they will gain spin as they roll across the string. All (!!) that you the performer need to do to keep the pattern turning is to slightly lift each diabolo as it leaves the string, and check that each diabolo stays in line.

NOT as easy as it sounds.

2 DIABOLO START WITH A PARTNER

This is the easiest method of learning to start two diabolos. However, if you are having difficulty finding a willing assistant and can’t even persuade your friends/family/pets to help, turn to the next section now.

Getting two diabolos spinning on one string can at first appear a rather daunting task. Never fear: by simply asking, bribing or even blackmailing a fellow diabolist to be your “glamorous assistant”, things become so much simpler using the following method:

1) Have your assistant stand to your left.

2) Ensure both diabolos are spinning in the same direction, on the same plane and roughly at the same speed.

3) After an optional countdown (for dramatic intensity), have your assistant make a short, low throw so that their diabolo lands on your string to the right of your one.

4) The weight of the incoming diabolo landing on your string should catapult your diabolo off the string to land near the right handstick. The shuffle has begun.

5) KEEP YOUR HANDSTICKS STILL. The diabolos will proceed to revolve in ever decreasing circles until they eventually collide.

Congratulations! You have taken the first step. Reward yourself with a beer or a chocolate bar or something. You have done well...

SELF THROW START

Unless your assistant happens to be your Siamese twin, it is unlikely that they will be around to help you every time you want to practice. There is only one solution to the problem: you must learn to start the two diabolo shuffle yourself.

The trick to learning this rests on your ability to hand launch a diabolo into the air while imparting enough spin to stop it wobbling or twisting on its descent. Practice this first without another diabolo on the string putting you off.

A successful hand launch should look as steady as a good throw from the string !

Here are a few of the more popular “launches”:

Once you have mastered your chosen throw, simply follow these steps for the perfect “solo-shuffle”:

1) Get diabolo A spinning on the string, whilst holding diabolo B between your legs (don’t squeeze too tightly or the diabolo will go out of shape and wobble erratically).

2) Passing the right handstick into your left hand, take diabolo B and launch it into the air.

3) Take the right handstick back into your right hand.

4) Catch diabolo B on the string to the right of A.

5) The diabolos should now be shuffling.

In case you’re worried, doing it on your own does not make you go blind, OK?

FLASH START

This is a slightly harder variation of the self throw start, but then it’s also a tad more impressive. It’s particularly useful if you want to start with the high aerial tricks before wowing the crowd with your low level hyper-technical tricks.

1) Get the first diabolo spinning and transfer it into one hand. With the other hand, launch the second diabolo high into the air.

2) Transfer the handsticks into both hands and launch this diabolo too. Both diabolos should now be in the air.

3) Catch the now rapidly descending hand launched diabolo.

4) Catch the other diabolo and proceed with the shuffle.

Alternatively, instead of shuffling, you can continue to loft the diabolos back up as you catch them, in the shower, columns or fork formations described later.

Be careful: remember there are now twice as many high altitude diabolos just waiting to rain down upon your head should you get distracted!

FLOOR START

Although this start may look easy to the casual, non-diabolist observer, I can assure you that it most certainly isn’t! Even Guy described it as “rather difficult” so you can be certain this is in no way a trick for the two diabolo novice.

1) Lay both diabolos on the ground (diabolos rest on top of the string, there are no loops or twists involved!)

2) Flick the right hand diabolo up and over so that it hits the left hand side of the string.

3) Bounce this diabolo back onto the right hand side of the string. At the same time, lift the other diabolo off the ground.

4) You should now be involved in a terrifyingly slow shuffle.

The diabolos will gradually build up speed but for the first few seconds you will have to cope with a great deal of wobble and twist.

To quote Guy, “it requires a lot of skill on the part of the diabolist to consistently recover from this”.

He ain’t kidding folks!

CONTROLLING 2 DIABOLOS

WARNING: As you probably realise, everyone has slightly different techniques for controlling one diabolo. Unfortunately this is even more true when it comes to controlling two.

Rather than try to put down one definitive method by compromising different styles, we have decided to describe both my method and Guy’s method individually! Both techniques differ greatly in choice of “driving” hand and in the angle the sticks are held at. Both, of course, are guaranteed to work.

Try one method. If it doesn’t feel right, try the other. If neither seems to suit your “style” try combining elements from both until you find something which does work for you. As I said before, everyone is slightly different.

Whichever method you choose, don’t expect it to work first time. Or within the first day. Or even the first week. Controlling two diabolos is one of the hardest skills you will learn, so allow a good month or two before you start panicking/losing your temper/writing to me.

Okay, warning over, let’s get on with it!

DONALD’S METHOD

When I do two diabolos, I use my handsticks in the following manner:

1) Left handstick is held horizontally pointing straight ahead. The left hand is used to pop the diabolos across (to drive the pattern) by lifting gently each time the diabolos make a half circle. In other words, when one lands, you lift gently to ping the next one across.

2) Right handstick is held with a normal grip but pointed vertically downward. The right stick is used to control the diabolos as they come across.

Okay, now the important bit:

1) To adjust the tilt of a diabolo, tap the cups with your right stick:

Tapping the cup nearest to you will tilt the diabolo towards you.

Tapping the cup furthest from you will tilt the diabolo away from you.

GET USED TO THIS IDEA before trying to get your head around the next bit.

2) To adjust a diabolo which has gone out of line, you must jam your right handstick against the axle at an angle. The angles are basically as illustrated, but of course the more severe the angle, the sharper the adjustment.

Now the only problem with “jamming” is that it also affects the tilt of the diabolo (I told you this wasn’t going to be easy).

Basically, this means that every time you adjust’ the turn of a diabolo, you will also have to correct the tilt.

Practice.

Practice endlessly.

Eventually, you will get the hang of it. The only way you will be able to do two diabolos comfortably is by practicing enough so that you can correct without having to think about it.

GUY’S METHOD

With Guy’s method of controlling the “2 Diabolo Shuffle,” both handsticks are held horizontally and the right hand drives the shuffle as well as correcting it. In Mr Heathcote’s immortal words, “the following points should help.”

1) Keep your left hand as still as possible. The string movement will cause the left handstick to move a little, but you should not try to control the pattern using your left hand. Moving your left hand back and forth, as you do when using one diabolo, should certainly be avoided. This just seems to result in one or other of the diabolos hitting the floor.

2) Move your right handstick in an up and down motion in time with the diabolos landing on the right side of the string. This motion will help flick the diabolos off of the left hand side of the string at a constant height, thus maintaining the circle.

3) When one diabolo starts to twist or tilt away from the other, you will need to use your right handstick to force the rogue diabolo back into line. You can achieve this by giving the diabolo a sharp hit with the end of the stick, or by letting the end of the stick rest on one point of the diabolo. Learning which moves achieve which effect is very much a case of trial and error. However, it is possible to move a diabolo in any required direction, with practice. The following diagram shows just a few of the hitting and scraping possibilities available.

A) Gentle rub - turns diabolo clockwise.

B) Gentle rub - turns diabolo anti-clockwise.

C) Hard hit - tilts diabolo away from performer.

D+E) Hitting D and E simultaneously can give a tilt/turn combination.

GAINING CONFIDENCE

Once you have the shuffle just about under control, use some of the following moves to improve your understanding and feel for the pattern.

1) Get the diabolos to turn in as wide a circle as possible. Holding the sticks further apart can help here.

2) Get the diabolos to turn in as small a circle as possible (without colliding of course!) Try holding your left handstick much higher than the right for this one.

3) Let the diabolos go as wonky as possible before trying to “save” the pattern.

4) Get an assistant to briefly (or not so briefly) hold on to the left handstick. Don’t worry, sharing diabolos is not a health risk!

5) THE SWAY: Try moving the pattern gently from side to side to create the strange effect of the diabolos moving in a chasing, ‘’leap frog” style.

6) THE LIFT: Try lifting the pattern gently up and down, creating the illusion of the two diabolos climbing up over one another and then dropping back down again.

7) THE ORBITOR: Try to get one diabolo to “orbit” its partner by driving one slightly harder than the other. With practice, it should appear that one diabolo stays still whilst the other moves in a circle. It is particularly useful later when learning over/under the leg.

8) CIRCLES: Combine the Sway and Lift to achieve the mysterious effect of the diabolos pursuing each other in a circle-within-a-circle. (Try circling in both clock-wise and anti-clockwise directions for different effects).

Remember! Though many of these tricks appear to change the diabolos’ path, the actual shuffle itself continues throughout. It is only the turnings and movements which change.

Guy also suggests that in order to become truly comfortable with the shuffle, you can try to “walk around, run, sit down, stand up, dance, sing... all whilst maintaining the pattern. (If you’re in a good mood, you can do this without the diabolos as well!)”

Who am I to argue with him???

Once you feel confident with your shuffle, you will probably want to get these diabolos into the air (your audience certainly will!)

1 HIGH

As one of the diabolos is about to leave the string, use your left hand to flick it out of the circular pattern straight up into the air.

When it comes back down, catch it to the right of the second diabolo and continue with the shuffle.

Practice this a lot, then practice it some more. Once you feel ready, you can proceed to...

2 HIGH

Once one diabolo is airborne, you can then throw the second one, starting an aerial shuffle. The patterns you can use for this are basically the same as for juggling two balls in one hand:

SHOWER: Definitely the most comfortable of the three, as the diabolos travel in a circle just like the shuffle.

COLUMNS: Little bit harder this one. The diabolos travel vertically while you move from side to side underneath (try to do this whilst maintaining at least the appearance of control).

FORK: Guy’s suggestion, this one. It’s fairly hard but looks great when done tidily. One diabolo goes straight up and down while the other travels up and down either side of it in a U-shape. Definitely not for those of a nervous disposition.

TRICKS UNDER 1 HIGH

When you’ve thrown “1 high”, you have a moment with only one diabolo on the string (obviously!)

Here are a few suggestions for what you can do with this diabolo (a few of the suggestions which we could print, anyway).

1) A fast “round the world”.

2) A very fast “suicide”.

3) A ridiculously fast “around the leg” or even “around the arm”.

As you can see, all these variations have one thing in common... I don’t think I have to spell it out, do I?

TRICKS UNDER 2 HIGH

Whilst mid-shower, it is also possible to slip the odd trick throw in.

Why not try ...

1) Carrying the handsticks and string over your head so that when the next diabolo lands it travels down behind your back before being thrown skywards again.

2) Catching and throwing with your arms crossed.

3) An exceptionally fast “round the world”!

If all this gets too easy, try these tricks during a burst of columns or even (gulp!) the fork!

TRICKS UNDER FLASHES

When both diabolos are in the air, it is sometimes possible to perform an acrobatic manoeuvre before they come down again. I find it easiest to perform these under a shower pattern but it is of course possible under columns or fork patterns.

So anyway, once you’ve disposed of your diabolos in an upwardly direction, why not try...

1) Skipping the rope (once, or even twice).

2) Pirouetting.

3) A forward roll (the diabolos have to be really high for this one).

4) Whipping members of the audience with your string (not recommended!)

5) Picking your nose with one (or more) of your handsticks.

6) All of the above at once.

Well, maybe not. Just use your imagination, okay?

TRAPS

Trapping tricks are unlike anything you can achieve with just one diabolo. Not only are they quite impressive and give you time to catch your breath, they are also relatively easy compared to the rest of the tricks in this book. The same basic technique works for various parts of your body (and, indeed, tor other people’s bodies!) The best one to start with is the foot trap.

1) Get into a comfortable shuttle.

2) As one diabolo is airborne, lift one foot (either foot, but not both) and rest the string against it.

3) Catch the airborne diabolo.

The diabolos should then remain stationary, hanging either side of your foot. To escape, simply pop the left diabolo up into the air and resume the shuffle.

Now you‘ve got the foot trap, why not try these ones:

1) Knee trap.

2) Cross foot trap (up!)

3) Neck trap (up again!)

You can even try linking a sequence such as right foot trap to left knee trap to neck trap. By linking traps on the same part of the anatomy, you get the unusual effect of the diabolos swapping places. Guy even suggests “right cross foot trap to left cross foot trap”.

He describes this as “particularly challenging”.

Believe him.

UNDER THE LEG

Definitely one of the easiest body moves this one, and it’s good practice for the other “leg tricks”.

1) Firstly, practice keeping a very tight, low shuffle.

2) Now practice a tight, low shuffle while standing on one leg (people may give you strange looks, but I’m sure you’re used to it by now!)

3) All you need to do then is to stick your leg (the one in the air, of course) in over the pattern. The diabolos should be quite happy circling beneath it.

If people aren’t impressed, a fluid transfer to the following trick ought to shut them up...

OVER/UNDER THE LEG

Okay, so you’re feeling pretty pleased with your new “under the leg” trick, and rightly so. By learning this easy variation, however, you can make it twice as impressive (to ignorant audiences, anyway).

1) Get yourself into a comfortable “under the leg” situation.

2) When you feel ready, try popping one of the diabolos over your leg, then returning to the under the leg.

3) With a little practice, you can get an interesting effect by popping every second throw over your leg (so one diabolo orbits the limb whilst the other stays beneath).

Looks particularly nice using two different coloured diabolos, (but it’s hardly worth buying a new diabolo just for this trick!)

AROUND THE LEG

If you’ve mastered the other two leg moves, this one should be a cinch (you can probably do it already!)

1) Get into an over/under the leg sequence.

2) Now pop every throw over the leg. Both diabolos will now be circling your limb. Hurrah!

The hardest thing about this trick is that it is slow, considerably slower than one diabolo around the leg. Just keep practising and take your time. Hey, no-one said it was going to be easy...

If this still isn’t hard enough, why not try two diabolos around both leg whilst sitting down.

OVER THE HEAD

Not as hard to get used to as many of the other body moves with two diabolos. In fact, if you’ve already learned this move with one diabolo then this should only take a few minutes to get the hang of.

1) Bend forward at the waist so that you are looking directly on top of the shuffle.

2) Pop one diabolo from the left so that it travels over your head.

3) As the diabolo goes over the back of your head, turn your face down and across so that you can “spot” it as it comes back in on the right side.

Once you have this, you can try:

1) Throwing every second throw as an “over the head” to produce the orbiting, over/under effect.

2) Throwing every throw as an over the head! (This moves very slowly).

Oh yes, and remember to throw the diabolo high enough to get over your head in the first place; otherwise it will cuff you one on the ear (not pleasant).

Of course, for the “less-mentally gifted” you could try throwing the diabolo in one ear and out the other...

AROUND THE ARM

Around the arm is basically the same idea as around the leg, except it’s... erm... well, around the arm. What makes this move particularly hard is that your ability to correct the diabolos is somewhat hampered by the position.

1) Firstly, practice getting two diabolos going in an “under the arm” position. (This on its own should take you some time!)

2) Once you’re comfortable with this, start trying to pop occasional diabolos over your arm. (This, too, should keep you occupied for a while).

3) Eventually, you should be able to pop every throw over the arm. The main thing to remember is that this is much slower than around the arm with one diabolo:

Take your time, it doesn’t work if you try to hurry it.

If you’re using a “Guy-style” method of control, this trick should be easier around your left arm, using “Donald-style”, it’s easier around your right.

Oh, and once you’ve got this sussed, try getting a “one over, one under” orbit pattern going round your arm. That ought to keep you quiet.

AROUND BOTH ARMS

This move is far harder than it initially appears, mainly because it moves even slower than around one arm.

1) Practice around one arm until you are completely comfortable with it.

2) Firstly get into around your favourite arm.

3) Then, at an appropriate space, insert your less-favourite arm as well.

There are three big tips to help you with this trick:

i) Remember that this trick moves really slowly.

ii) Try to keep your arms upright and your string near to your wrists.

iii) Remember that, once in this position, correction of the diabolos is extremely difficult, so make sure they’re “in-line” before you get into it.

Still too easy? Try sticking your head or leg in there as well and see how you get on.

ARM TRAP TO ROUND THE WORLD

Through experimenting, you may have already found out how to get into a trap over the arm. Consequently, you will also be aware that it is somewhat impossible to get out of. Luckily for you, Guy invented this cunning little manoeuvre to help you to escape...

1) Pop one diabolo high out of the shuffle.

2) Bend your hand back (wrist pointing skyward) so that the string is against your bicep.

3) Catch the descending diabolo so that you are now in a trap position.

4) Now pop the other diabolo up into the air.

5) While it’s up there, lift the other diabolo off your arm using an anticlockwise “round the world”.

6) Catch the diabolo back into a shuffle.

The most important thing about this move is the throws: they must be high enough to give you enough time to make the moves under them.

The second most important thing, of course, is ensuring that you catch them...

ROUND THE WORLD STOPOVER TO TRAP

Nice move, this. The main reason I like it is because it completely breaks up the circular shuffle movement and, done quickly, will totally befuddle an audience. Guaranteed to cause mass confusion in all who view it in UV conditions.

1) As one diabolo lands, lift up with your left handstick.

2) Dip the left stick quickly over the rising diabolo, pressing against the string so that the diabolo sits happily in a stopover loop.

3) Once you’ve had enough, flick the diabolo back over the handstick.

4) Catch the pattern in either a foot or knee trap position.

5) Resume the shuffle (if you want!)

This is hard, I admit. In fact it will probably take some time to master it smoothly. Once you’ve seen the next trick, however, you’ll begin to wonder what you were making all the fuss about...

TRAP TO DOUBLE STOPOVER

Now this move is possible by performing an around the world stopover on the left (as before), then doing another one on the right. This however is a far more civilised method of getting into it...

1) Perform a normal foot stall.

2) Simultaneously flip both diabolos into stopovers.

They should now both sit here balanced quite happily. (Remember to remove your foot before they land!)

3) Flip both diabolos back out again simultaneously to return to the stall (Remember to stick your foot back in again!)

Alternatively you can flip the left diabolo out first, then follow with the right hand side to continue with the shuffle.

Guy also suggests these somewhat bizarre variations for those who enjoy a challenge:

1) Release both handsticks, then catch them cross-handed. Rerelease them and catch them back in the original position.

2) Perform a “pirouette round the world”. (Yep! It’s hard!)

GRINDS

Grinds, like traps, are wonderful for providing brief respite from the constant circling of the shuffle. Remember, as always, that your diabolos will grind for longer if you wax your handsticks. I won’t tell you again, OK?

The grind on the right is the easiest of all two diabolo grinds and should be the first you attempt.

1) Pop one diabolo out of the shuffle a bit higher than usual.

2) Catch it on the right handstick.

3) Let it grind for a second or two.

4) Put it back into the shuffle by simply rolling it off the stick and onto the string again.

Couldn’t be simpler.

The grind on the left is a bit trickier, but still by no means anything more than PG rated...

1) Try to pop one diabolo vertically out of the shuffle.

2) Turn your left handstick in so that it is pointing across your body.

3) Catch and grind the diabolo on the left stick.

4) Throw the diabolo over onto the right side of the string and resume shuffling.

(If you find this move too hard with your stick pointing inwards, try it with it pointing outwards. There’s no law against it!)

STICK SWITCH GRIND

Okay, things are getting a little nastier now... I apologise for nothing!

1) Pop one diabolo out into a grind on the left.

2) Throw it over into a grind on the right.

3) Slip it back into the pattern.

DOUBLE GRIND

The version you probably thought of first, then discounted as impossible. Follow these stages carefully and you should find it a bit easier (not much, though!)

1) Pop one diabolo into a grind on the right.

2) Pop the other into a grind on the left.

3) Hold it for a couple of nanoseconds.

4) Slip the grind on the right back onto the string.

5) Throw the grind on the left over to the right...

...and back into the shuffle.

OTHER GRINDS

For those of you who find the four aforementioned grind tricks too easy or simply not bizarre enough, why not attempt some of these more exotic examples.

1) Swing to overhead grind. (This works in much the same way as the “round the world to stopover’’. You can get into a string climb from it too!!!)

2) Grind to rubberwrist catch. (Not as hard as you may at first imagine. Continuous over the shoulder throws are possible too).

3) Willy (Organ) Grinds. (The less said about this one the better, I think).

ROUND THE WORLD

The trick you’ve all been waiting for! Yes, forget all the others, this is my absolute favourite of all the tricks in the book. Once you’ve learned it, I’m sure you’ll see why.

1) As one diabolo lands on the string, swing the shuffle to the left, lifting gently with the left handstick.

2) The diabolos will start to rise. Pull down firmly with your left handstick.

3) The diabolos should swing all the way round, passing between your arms. (NB They must go between your arms otherwise the string will get twisted!)

4) Upon completing their journey, the diabolos will immediately reassume the shuffle (which you in turn must be ready to catch and control!)

REMEMBER; Between stages one and four the diabolos do not change places, they follow each other. If they do try to change places, then either you aren’t pulling hard enough or you’re doing the move too slowly.

Practice this version endlessly before trying the variations, okay?

PIROUETTE ROUND THE WORLD

Probably the most elegant of all “round the world” variations, as it involves body movement as well.

1) As one diabolo lands, start to lift up with your left hand and begin the first quarter of the pirouette.

2) NOW, unlike all other “round the worlds”, the diabolos change places again here before...

3) You continue lifting to this point with your left and pirouette swiftly and smoothly.

4) As you complete the pirouette, the diabolo will descend and...

5) Resume the shuffle JUST as you finish the 360 degrees.

Don’t try to pirouette too fast: if you lose sight of the diabolos you will lose control of them. Keep your eye on them all the way round and you should be all right.

A sequence of three or four consecutive “pirouette round the worlds” looks particularly nice, especially moving sideways across a stage. Just thought you might be interested.

FIGURE 8 ROUND THE WORLD

The hardest of the “round the world” tricks without getting into combinations and linking. Save this one for a rainy day. In fact, move to a country with a monsoon climate and then save it for a rainy day.

1) As one diabolo lands, lift up with your left hand.

2) Allow the diabolos to swing round behind your shoulder.

3) As the diabolos reach the bottom of their first swing they change places once (this is the tricky part as your arms will at this point be slightly crossed).

4) DON’T STOP! Continue the swing, now lifting with your right hand.

5) Step back as the diabolos complete their second loop.

6) Finishing back in a shuffle in front of you again.

ALL THIS MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED IN ONE SMOOTH, FLUID MOVEMENT.

Just keep trying, huh?

SUICIDES

Oooooooh yes! Ha, ha, haaa! They mocked. They laughed! They said it couldn’t be done! But here it is: the secret of a suicide with two diabolos. It sounds impossible, I know, and it looks even harder... Just read the instructions and take your time, you may be pleasantly surprised.

The technique is very similar to the normal “round the world” with two:

1) As one diabolo lands, swing the pattern to the left and lift with your left handstick.

2) Release your right stick. As you do so pull down firmly with your left.

3) The whole pattern should loop round and...

4) You must catch the stick again as it returns. The shuffle will resume immediately so be ready for it.

This is quite a bit faster than a one diabolo suicide and the diabolos should certainly never rise above head height. It’s well worth practicing, however, as it is 100% guaranteed to blow minds.

Also possible are:

i) Under the leg suicides (rather awkward).

ii) Stick suicides (roughly the same technique but they happen ridiculously fast!)

2 IN ONE HAND

If we all lived in a happy world where everything was fair and nice, then things would be so much easier. Picture the scene:

1) Juggler performs two diabolos on one string.

2) Audience whoops and cheers.

3) Juggler performs two in one hand.

4) Audience goes even wilder, screaming and hollering in a display of immeasurable regard.

Unfortunately, the reality is somewhat less cheerful:

1) Juggler performs two...(as above).

2) Audience whoops...(as above).

3) Juggler performs two in one hand.

4) Audience more often than not presume that it can’t be as difficult as they initially thought and tend to lose interest.

Don’t be disheartened however. Some audiences will appreciate it and fellow diabolists will eye you with healthy respect.

The trick itself is very straightforward:

1) Get two diabolos going in a medium sized shuffle. Transfer one of your handsticks to the other hand.

2) Now, by moving your hand in time with the diabolos you can keep the shuffle moving. (Correcting them is very hard but is possible with ceaseless practice!)

There are three different ways of holding the handsticks for this trick.

Each has its own particular uses:

The simplest of the three, but the hardest to control for any length of time. Useful for “carrying” moves. (See below).

The best grip for when you have to revert to the two handed shuffle in a hurry, such as in a self-start for three diabolos!

This position is the best for fully controlling a one-handed shuffle.

CARRYING

With both sticks in one hand, you can:

Pass the whole lot under your leg.

Pass the whole lot behind your back.

Turn a full pirouette, whilst keeping the shuffle stationary.

REMEMBER: “2 in one hand” is an important trick. Not only does it (sometimes) impress on its own but it is also useful for learning 3 diabolos and for getting into “stuck behind the back” positions.

STRING CLIMBS

The string climb is another one of those tricks which no-one believes is possible with two diabolos. I certainly never thought it could be done until I spoke to Guy. I was so inspired that I not only learned his version but also invented one of my own!

GUY’S STRING CLIMB

1) As one diabolo floats over in the shuffle, loop your right handstick around it. Pull the string tight.

2) As this diabolo begins to climb the string, the other one should pop over it and land on the string near the right handstick.

3) Unloop the climbing diabolo as it reaches the top.

4) And pause the diabolos in the trap position of your choice.

Instead of using a trap, you can also try pinging the diabolo straight back into the shuffle after unlooping it at the top.

DONALD’S STRING CLIMB

1) Get yourself into a “round the world with a stopover’’ position.

2) Slip the loop of string and diabolo off your left stick and pull tight.

3) The diabolo should now climb the string. Unloop it as it reaches the top of its ascent.

4) Catch the diabolos in a convenient trap.

Again of course, it is possible to just pop back into a shuffle after move number three. It’s up to you.

GRIND 2 A HALT!

Surely the most civilised method of finishing your routine without stuffing your diabolos into your armpit or your crotch.

1) Pop one diabolo out high, then transfer both handsticks into one hand, holding them in an “upward pointing V-style”.

2) Catch the descending diabolo between the sticks.

3) Swing the other diabolo up and around...

4) And catch it on top of the first one.

There you go: no tangled strings, no diabolos on the floor and no sweaty nether regions involved!

CAT’S CRADLE

This move totally blew me away the first time I saw Guy perform it. If you need proof that anything with one diabolo is possible with two then this is it. (As far as I’m aware, Guy invented this move too!)

1) Throw one diabolo high out of the shuffle.

2) Weave your right stick between your left stick and string.

3) Now weave your left stick between your right stick and string.

4) Pull tight to form this cat’s cradle (probably!)

5) Now try to catch the descending diabolo on top! (If it hasn’t already hit the floor).

To escape, simply pop the top diabolo up high, point your handsticks down so that the cradle slips off and then continue with the shuffle.

The hardest part of the trick is learning to weave the cradle fast enough, so what you’re best to do is practice weaving it with only one diabolo. This seems obvious now, but you wouldn’t believe how many hours practice I put in before I realised this!

STUCK BEHIND THE BACK

This is “just” the basic shuffle with one hand held behind your back. Guy seems to do this with contemptuous ease, whilst I continue to struggle endlessly with it (I think rubber arms would probably help!) There are two simple methods of getting into this position:

1) Hold both sticks in one hand, move your other arm into the behind the back position, then take back the handstick into your free hand.

2) Step over the shuffle, then carry it around to your side. Guy’s variations on “stuck behind the back” include:

Swing the shuffle to either side of your body.
Jump one or both diabolos over your stomach.
Do a cross foot stall in this position.
Do a “round the world” trick(!)

Donald’s variation on “stuck behind the back”:

Get the diabolos into a horrible tangled mess. Throw them away in disgust. Go and have a beer instead.

BOUNCE BACK

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! For goodness sake, please don’t try this trick during a routine. It’s pretty hard, it doesn’t always work and it certainly isn’t very impressive. Try it when you’re alone in the house, all right?

1) Pop one diabolo from the left so that it flies straight over the right handstick.

2) As the diabolo (hopefully) bounces back, lower your right stick and let the diabolo back into the pattern.

Tragic, isn’t it? You part with your hard-earned cash and you end up with stuff like this.

It’s okay, I don’t have a conscience.

PEARSE’S BALANCE

Just when you thought you might have made it through the book without encountering a silly trick...

Announce to the crowd that you will attempt a trick, with TWO DIABOLOS AT ONCE. Having raised their expectations, dash them to the floor once more by performing the following steps:

1) Wind your string tightly around the handsticks and tuck it in so it won’t unravel.

2) Hang one diabolo on the top.

3) Now stack another diabolo on top of the first.

4) And balance the lot on your chin/nose/forehead.

If you get bored with this (although I can’t imagine why), you could always try three diabolos. On a particularly wet and boring afternoon I managed to balance a stack of six.

You can also try sharing the handsticks and diabolos with a friend, but don’t let the string go tight!

Pearse has a lot to answer for.

Now three diabolos may seem, to some, a touch excessive. All that extra effort just to get one more diabolo in the air. “Two’s company, three’s a crowd” as they say. And it means having to spend more of your hard-earned cash on yet another diabolo.

To three, or not to three, that is the question. Well, for every member of the “two or die” brigade, there is another who is all too happy to “cry threedom”. If you don’t want to learn three, just tear out the following pages and let your hamster make a bed out of them. If you do want to

learn, however, then read on as Guy reveals all...

3 DIABOLO AERIAL SHUFFLE

This is probably the least difficult way of juggling three diabolos. It’s still very hard though, and you’ll need lots of space to practice and perform this, should you decide to try and learn it. There may be better ways which have yet to be discovered. If this seems a bit much, why not do a bit of experimenting yourself.

a) Start by getting one diabolo spinning on the string. Tuck the others in your armpit and between your legs.

b) Hold both handsticks in one hand. Transfer one of the static diabolos into this hand too (pinch the rim so that it can be grabbed swiftly without fumbling).

c) Hold the third diabolo in your right hand.

d) Hand launch this diabolo.

e) Transfer the second diabolo into your right hand and launch it too.

f) Transfer one handstick to your right, and you’re now in the right position to keep the diabolos circling.

Alternatively, you can start like this:

1) Get a two diabolo shuffle going in one hand, with the third diabolo in the other.

2) Hand launch, then transfer one handstick.

3) Launch second diabolo from string.

4) Continue with the aerial shuffle/shower.

Starting is, of course, the hardest part. Once all three diabolos are airborne, the technique needed to keep them in motion is just about the same as that used with a two diabolo shower (only with a greater risk of collision and a little bit faster!)

If you want to do a clean finish from an aerial pattern, catch the first diabolo on the string and put the right handstick into your left hand, catch the second one in your right hand and tuck it under your arm, catch the final one in your right hand. Voila.

Alternatively, try to work out a variation on the “Grind 2 a Halt” theme.

3 DIABOLO START WITH A PARTNER

This version is far more practical to learn than the aerial shuffle, as it requires far less space. Unfortunately it isn’t as impressive and is far more difficult to achieve if you don’t have an assistant.

Don’t plan on mastering it within a week (or, I would imagine, a year).

1) Get a shuffle going low on your left hand side.

2) Have your partner stand to your left.

3) When you feel ready (if ever) get them to throw their diabolo over onto the right hand side of the string.

4) Try to stay in control.

3 SOLO START

For all you lonely hearts out there...

1) Get a standard shuffle turning, with the third diabolo tucked between your legs.

2) Place the right hand stick in your left hand, using the cross position. Turn the hand stick cross 90 degrees so that the shuffle is nearer the left handstick than the right. Hold the shuffle slightly to the left.

3) Take the third diabolo in your right hand. Perform a very low launch so that this diabolo comes down just to the right of your body.

4) Take the right handstick in your right hand. Try to hold the stick as near to the string as possible.

5) Use your left hand to flick one of the diabolos in the shuffle up and over the hand thrown diabolo.

6) Catch the hand thrown diabolo on the right hand.

TRICKS WITH 3

No, no, no, it’s all getting too much ...

3 DIABOLO ORBITOR: This trick happened accidentally when I first began to learn the three diabolo shuffle. At one stage it used to happen quite frequently. When it did, it actually worked very well. Sadly, I have never worked out how to achieve this intentionally. The idea of the trick is that one diabolo appears to remain stationary while the other two circle it, in a similar style to the two diabolo shuffle. The fact that this actually works, even by accident, convinces me that there are lots more three diabolo tricks just waiting to be discovered.

Donald suggests:

TRAPS keeping a two diabolo shuffle going on one side.

GRINDS, also while keeping a shuffle going on the string.

SUICIDES err... well... ho, ho, ho just kidding folks.

Look! If you’ve managed to get this far, I’m sure you can use your imagination, okay?

FURTHER & BEYOND

Sorry to disappoint you all but, for the moment there isn’t really all that much more which people have managed to do with two diabolos - as far as I know. This is not to say, of course, that there aren’t any more tricks, just that they haven’t been discovered. As we keep saying, anything that you can do with one diabolo should be possible with two. Thinking about it is half the battle: use your mind, you may be surprised what you come up with.

Meanwhile, here are a few suggestions:

1) Almost every trick with two diabolos looks good under UV light.

Especially recommended are:

i) The orbitor.

ii) Circles.

iii) Round the worlds.

iv) Tight shuffles with sudden high throws.

2) Try combining grinds and traps; you’ll find that they are surprisingly compatible.

3) Try suiciding out of “around the body” moves.

4) If you’re feeling particularly brave, see how many different round the world variations you can link together (they all link very naturally, honestly).

Hey, and if you get bored, you could always try four diabolos at once.

You never know your luck.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Gratitude of a nigh-immeasurable quantity must be expressed to the following people, without whom this book could never have turned out the way it has (whatever that means!)

Stewart Hutton and his long-suffering (!) wife Joanne. Their enthusiasm for preparing, proofreading and marketing this sort of tat cannot be praised too highly.

Pearse Halfpenny, for providing the pointless silly trick this time around.

Ewan Buchanan, for not providing any pointless silly tricks this time around.

Wind Things for tolerating my endless, inane banter for days at a time and keeping my coffee intake to a maximum, (remember guys: it’s black, no sugar, okay?)

Finally, of course, thanks to all of you who have parted with your hard earned cash for this book.

Hell, even if you’re standing in the shop just now, having read the whole thing and still aren’t going to buy it, thanks for at least showing an interest.

Keep practicing, and take it easy, okay?

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