Diablo Tricks

The Diablo (also known as Diabolo) has a number of tricks, here are some of the basic ones to get you started :-

Toss - the first trick everybody learns is to throw the diabolo up and catch it.

High Toss - throwing high in the air + catch it.

Trapeze (A.K.A Stopover) - Swing diabolo around stick and catch on string.

Backside - catching the diabolo using the "bottom" of the string (also known as the darkside).

Suicide (Stick release) - To temporarily let go of either stick and then catch it again.

Grind - To balance the diabolo on a stick.

Sun - The diabolo is swung round in a large circle, and will finish with a twist of string above the axle. An anti-sun is done in the opposite direction to undo this twist. There are many different types of sun. This is the most basic kind.

Around the leg-The diabolo spins then you put you leg over the string and you send the diabolo in a circle making it go 'around the leg'.

Cradle - The line is tangled to form a shape and the diabolo itself is tossed on or in the shape.

Orbit - Diabolo is tossed and caught repeatedly to make it go round.

Over (bodypart) Orbits (also known as satellites)- Advanced orbits to go around the neck, shoulders or body. Primary arm and leg orbits are considered the easiest.

Magic Knot/Knot - The line is tangled in a way it creates an illusion that the Diabolo is jammed. It can be released usually with an upwards toss motion.

Elevator (String climb) - The diabolo "climbs" the string, this is done by wrapping the string around the spool and pulling tight so the friction allows the speed of the diabolo to roll it upwards.

Coffee Grinder - The diabolo is put on the "backside", then the string looped over the stick so the diabolo appears to be in open string. From there, the diabolo is tossed multiple times over the stick.

Umbrella - the diabolo is swung and jerked side to side forming the outline of an umbrella.

Spaghetti - A wrap of the string on the left side of the stick and under the diabolo and then a wrap of the string on the right side of the stick and under the diabolo. Essentially, a magic knot.

Files - Putting both sticks in the left hand, swinging the diabolo over the finger and back on the string so there is a trapeze-like tangle, and throw the sticks under the finger and catch them again. 

Created: May 7, 2008