Diabolo Tricks
Coffee Grinders
Flash Movie Controls allow viewing larger animations with stop/step controls

All animations are of the performer's view.
Left Backside, Coffee Grinder, & Cat's Cradle

See Frame By Frame Instructions

Coffee Grinder
Not to be confused with 'Grinding' tricks, this looks similar to 'Stir the Pot.' 

1) Go to the 'left back side.' Follow steps A through C if you are not familiar with how to get to the 'left back side'.  lb

	A) Toss diabolo off to left side shoulder high.
	B) Reach out with left stick and 'hook' string over axle.
	You are drawing a half circle counterclockwise around the diabolo with the end of your left stick,
       finishing the circle coming up with your stick as the diabolo is now going down.
	C) Return sticks to normal position and	note the 'cross' of stings on the axle.
	Also note that right power pulls will slow diabolo not add speed.
	Left power pulls will keep your speed up if needed.
	Do not cross your arms.

2) Raise the right stick up about eye level still holding normal. cg

3) Move the left stick above the diabolo horizontally. {Parallel to ground and shoulders}  cg

4) Move the right stick so its string moves behind the left stick and lays just ahead the handle.  cg

5) Pull right stick toward you making a triangle. The points of the triangle are {A} Center of the left stick just ahead of handle. {B} The diabolo. {C} End of left stick.  cg

6) Now the right stick will do all the 'grinding.' Keeping the right stick parallel to ground and axle, 'poke' it into triangle below {C}.  cg

7) Move the right stick out against the right side of triangle and then into a clockwise movement under the diabolo and around back to {C}. The initial push against that right string side of the triangle requires the 'touch' to make the diabolo hop so you're able to cleanly pass beneath the diabolo at. Your right stick touches much of the string of the triangle creating a cycled shape change to the triangle. The rhythm to 'grinding' or stirring seems very natural.  cg

8) Now getting out. Moving both sticks together (left stick's end swings 90 deg up, right stick's end swings 90 deg up) so they are parallel to each other like holding two candles side-by-side. The diabolo is between them in the center and the string should create an 'X.' Now the spinning diabolo is inside a Cat's Cradle and can be left here for a while in presentation.  cc

9) Still trying to get out. Tilt both sticks together, moving stick ends back away from you so 'X' is no longer above diabolo.  cc

10) Now for the toss. First giving a little slack, then pull the sticks apart, tossing the diabolo as high as you want but lower is preferred.  cc

11) Return the sticks back to their perpendicular position. Catch the diabolo on top of the Cat's Cradle for another presentation.  cc

12) Now toss a final time which can be done with all arm movement.  ct

13) As diabolo returns drop arms down pointing sticks ends down and then tightened string at knees. (Dropping arms is a safe way to prevent knotting) Move tight string to comfortable position for catch.   ct

All animations are of the performer's view.


Coffee Grinder from Over-The-Arm Orbits
(using the Scoop Catch and Sun to get to the Backside)
see Flash Movie Controls

oo = Open Orbits, oa = Overarm Orbits, sc = Scoop Catch, ss = Scoop Sun to the Left Backside, cgCoffee Grinder, and ccCat's Cradle.

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Coffee Grinder

cg = Coffee Grinder is a trick explained by the following steps 1 through 8. 1) After the Scoop Sun the diabolo is on the left backside of the string. 2) Raise the right stick up about eye level. 3) Move the left stick above the diabolo horizontally. {Parallel to ground and shoulders} 4) Move the right stick so its string moves behind the left stick and lays just ahead the handle. 5) Pull right stick toward you making a triangle. The points of the triangle are {A} Center of the left stick just ahead of handle. {B} The diabolo. {C} End of left stick. 6) Now the right stick will do all the 'grinding.' Keeping the right stick parallel to ground and axle, 'poke' it into triangle below {C}. 7) Move the right stick out against the right side of triangle and then into a clockwise movement under the diabolo and around back to {C}. The initial push against that right string side of the triangle requires the 'touch' to make the diabolo hop so you're able to cleanly pass beneath the diabolo at. Your right stick touches much of the string of the triangle creating a cycled shape change to the triangle. The rhythm to 'grinding' or stirring seems very natural. 8) Now getting out. Moving both sticks together (left stick's end swings 90 deg up, right stick's end swings 90 deg up) so they are parallel to each other like holding two candles side-by-side. The diabolo is between them in the center and the string should create an 'X.' Now the spinning diabolo is inside a Cat's Cradle and can be left here for a while in presentation.

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Cat's Cradle

cc = Cat's Cradle is a trick that can be performed out of the Coffee Grinder, note steps 9 through 13. 9) Still trying to get out. Tilt both sticks together, moving stick ends back away from you so 'X' is no longer above diabolo. 10) Now for the toss. First giving a little slack, then pull the sticks apart, tossing the diabolo as high as you want but lower is preferred. 11) Return the sticks back to their perpendicular position. Catch the diabolo on top of the Cat's Cradle for another presentation. 12) Now toss a final time which can be done with all arm movement. 13) As diabolo returns drop arms down pointing sticks ends down and then tightened string at knees. (Dropping arms is a safe way to prevent knotting) Move tight string to comfortable position for catch.

All animations are of the performer's view.


Espresso

(Coffee Grinder Variation)

(This 'Coffee Grinder' is extremely quick to get into.)
see Flash Movie Controls

Source:  within

1) The diabolo is spinning in neutral position with the sticks in neutral position (i.e. parallel to the ground and each other).

2) Bring the hands together and lift the left hand higher than the right. So at this time you have the two strings vertical with sticks in neutral position the left stick about 1 foot higher than the right.

3) Pull the left stick back about 6 inches and drape (wrap) the left string over (from the left) the right stick. So now the right stick is still in neutral position with the left stick to the right of it and lower than it with the arms crossed left over right. At this time the left stick is pointing down 45 degrees.

4) Pick up the string coming from the right stick with the end of the left stick. This is done by digging the end of the left stick just to the left of the string coming from the right stick and pulling that string to the right then upward.  The two sticks are now in neutral position (i.e. parallel to each other and to the ground), but the left stick is on the right.

5) Now gradually rotate the left handstick's handle so the handle end points left and the stick is still horizontal. Your right handstick should still be pointing forward. At this point you might notice you are in a coffee grinder position.

6) Push against the right string with your right handstick. Now while still pushing on the loop of string, move your right stick down and then left under the diabolo. Going under the diabolo makes the diabolo jump up and to the right into the right string.

7) Continue moving your right handstick around the diabolo in a circular (clockwise) motion. Each time pushing against the right string and under the diabolo to get it to hop forward into the string.

8) When you are done grinding, end so both stick are above diabolo. Bring your sticks so they are both pointing upward, yet tilted away from you a bit. Try to tilt your sticks enough that the diabolo has no strings directly above it.

9) Toss the diabolo straight up above the sticks and continue to hold the sticks upward as the diabolo leaves the strings. While the diabolo is in the air point the sticks straight up and notice that the tight string makes a cross of string on the sticks.

10) Catch the diabolo on the cross of strings and hold for presentation.

11) Toss the diabolo off the cross and as the diabolo rises, drop your arms and point the sticks downward. The string should fall from the sticks.

12) Tighten the string and catch the diabolo.

Check out a similar trick, the Turnover Cradle.

    All animations are of the performer's view.


Dixon's Coffee Grinder
see Flash Movie Controls

Source:  Jeff Dixon

1) The diabolo is spinning in neutral position with the sticks in neutral position (i.e. parallel to the ground and each other).

2) Reach above and over to the left with the right handstick.

3) Bring right stick's end down and hook the left string with that right stick's end. This action slightly crosses your arms.

4) Now pull the right stick out to the left and hold it parallel to the left handstick. Your crossed arms are holding both sticks, pointing straight ahead, with strings crossed between them.

5) Now begin a Clockwise Sun, uncrossing your arms. The diabolo needs to evenly travel around both your other sticks once. By pulling up and moving to the right with your right stick, the diabolo should Sun.

6) After the Sun is complete, your arms arm now normal, the sticks are parallel to each other pointing straight ahead, and the string from the right stick is hooked around the left stick. OK, keep your left stick parallel to the ground and point it right over the right stick.

7) If your left handstick's end is far enough right, you should be in the a 'coffee grinder' position. Keep this left handstick still while 'grinding.

8) Keeping your right stick pointing forward at all times, move it out to the right so it pushes into the left string. If your movement is firm enough the diabolo will begin to hop up.

9) Continue grinding so the right stick rotates around the diabolo. As the stick goes under the diabolo, the diabolo hops up and into the left string. As the stick moves above, the diabolo above hangs below. Moving the right stick into the left string again begins another 'grind'.

10) To get out, stop at the end of a 'grind', straighten your sticks so they are pointing forward, and do a Counterclockwise Sun. You should be on open string after the sun.

10 variation) It is also possible to toss the diabolo from your last 'grind' and catch the diabolo on a cradle with both sticks pointing up. Then toss the diabolo from that cradle, drop your sticks so the string loops untangle, and catch the diabolo.

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Uncrossed Sun Grinder
(Another way into the Dixon's Grinder)

Source:  within

1) The diabolo is spinning in neutral position with the sticks in neutral position (i.e. parallel to the ground and each other).

2) Do a Clockwise Sun. This is where the diabolo circles 360 degrees around both sticks. Keep your sticks parallel to each other as in normal position and note that the string is in a full twist above the diabolo's axle.

3) Here you are going to move your arms and handsticks so the diabolo appears to be on open string. You are removing the twist in the string above the diabolo's axle, keeping your left stick forward. If you are having trouble doing this follow steps 3A through 3B.

3A) From the position after the Sun where your sticks are pointing straight ahead, first move only your right stick. Pull your right stick back toward you a bit, lower it, and move it to the left under the left stick.

3B) Now your arms are crossed with you right stick lower than your left. Move your right stick forward (ahead of the left), then point it right, now move it right of the left stick. Note that you have untwisted the string.

4) Your arms are still crossed with your left stick still pointing ahead and your right stick pointing right. Also note that the string is open on the axle. Now move your right stick up and your left stick down so your right is above your left. With your right stick pointing right, move it back closer to your body.

5) Your arms are crossed, your sticks form a 'plus' (the left below the right), the diabolo is on open string. Pull the right stick back to the left, dragging the string over the left stick. Still pulling the string left, drop the right stick's end down below the height of the left stick. Now move the right stick right so it goes between both hanging down strings.

6) Your arms are crossed, your sticks form a 'plus' (the right below the left), the diabolo is on open string. Keeping both sticks parallel to the ground, point the right stick ahead and the left stick right. Keep this left handstick still while 'grinding.

7) Keeping your right stick pointing forward at all times, move it out to the right so it pushes into the left string. If your movement is firm enough the diabolo will begin to hop up.

8) Continue grinding so the right stick rotates around the diabolo. As the stick goes under the diabolo, the diabolo hops up and into the left string. As the stick moves above, the diabolo above hangs below. Moving the right stick into the left string again begins another 'grind'.

9) To get out, stop at the end of a 'grind', straighten your sticks so they are pointing forward, and do a Counterclockwise Sun. You should be on open string after the sun.

9 variation) It is also possible to toss the diabolo from your last 'grind' and catch the diabolo on a cradle with both sticks pointing up. Then toss the diabolo from that cradle, drop your sticks so the string loops untangle, and catch the diabolo.

All animations are of the performer's view.

Mystery Grinder
(Another way into the Dixon's Grinder)
see Flash Movie Controls

Source:  Christopher Heckman

1) The diabolo is spinning in neutral position with the sticks in neutral position (i.e. parallel to the ground and each other).

2) Begin the motion of a Left Trapeze (stop-over). This is where the diabolo is swung to the Left clockwise over the left stick.

3) Early into the Trapeze when the diabolo is at 10 o'clock, prepare to poke the Right stick in a triangle formed by the two strings to the diabolo and your Left stick. This happens very quickly so try to make your 'trapeze' movement slower. Also if the diabolo is swung so the string first hits the left stick about half way down, the triangle is bigger.

4) As soon as the triangle opens up poke your Right stick in it and allow the diabolo to continue in a circle over both sticks, to the right, and then below the sticks. (You may need to point your Left stick upward a bit to prevent the strings from slipping off its end.)

5) As soon as the diabolo is below the sticks, turn your Left stick so it is horizontal and pointing Right. Your Right stick should be inside a triangle below the Left stick. The Right stick is still pointing straight ahead and horizontal. (The poking direction from earlier.)

6) Hopefully you will find you are in a Coffee Grinder position. Keep this left handstick still and keeping your right stick pointing forward at all times. Move the Right stick out to the right so it pushes into the left string (string that come down from the left stick). If your movement is firm enough the diabolo will begin to hop up.

7) Continue grinding so the right stick rotates around the diabolo. As the stick goes under the diabolo, the diabolo hops up and into the left string. As the stick moves above, the diabolo above hangs below. Moving the right stick into the left string again begins another 'grind'.

8) Then to get out, toss the diabolo from your last 'grind' and catch the diabolo on a cradle with both sticks pointing up. Then toss the diabolo from that cradle, drop your sticks so the string loops untangle, and catch the diabolo.

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Atomic Grinder
(A Coffee Grinder variation from way back.)

source: Jon Gates

1) With the diabolo spinning on open string, turn to your left, but don't move your left stick.

2) Keep your left stick pointing forward, but bring your right stick about and point it backwards.

3) Reach with your right stick's end over your left stick so the right sticks string lays over the left stick. Now your right stick is behind the left stick. Pull down a bit on the right stick raising the diabolo.

4) With the string still over the left stick, bring your right stick around the right side of the left stick and poke the right stick's end between to two strings.

5) Now push the right stick half way between the strings, but point it backwards so it is parallel to the left stick.

6) Now you are ready to grind.

7) Pull your right stick toward you but keep it parallel to the left all the time.

8) Now move the stick closer to you and then down so the diabolo hops over the stick.

9) Continue coming up behind the diabolo and to the top and repeat for the next grind.

10) To get out just point stick downward and diabolo will fall to open string.
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Crosskey's Coffee Grinder
(Entering the Coffee Grinder from a Head Hop)

Source: Nathan Crosskey, U.K.

1) Begin with a Head Hop (sometimes called the Neck Trampoline.)

2) The Head Hop divides the string into two sections with your neck separating the two (the left string parallel and side-by-side with the right string). You are facing left with the sticks pointing upward. The diabolo should be
on the left section of the string.

3) Bounce the diabolo to the right string and the back to the left. With your right stick bring it under the diabolo so both strings are under the diabolo's axle.

4) Now (counterclockwise) rotate the Right stick slightly so it is horizontal and above the diabolo. The stick is pointing left.

5) Pull the right stick over your head and to the right. This makes the diabolo do about a 3/4 Clockwise Sun over your head and to your right. The diabolo ends up below your sticks and you can turn back to face the audience during this move. The diabolo is on crossed string.


6) From here do a Counterclockwise Sun. At this point the diabolo should be on the Left Backside.

It is now possible to create and do a normal
Coffee Grinder a few times.

8) You can get out with a toss and cross arm catch or make it great combo:

8a) Exit the Coffee Grinder into a Cat's Cradle and then toss off the 'X'. Watch how it is done from the Overarm Coffee Grinder animation.

8b) While the diabolo still in the air, hand your left stick to your right hand so you have two sticks there. Pull your left hand leftward, with your left thumb and fore finger hooked in the string. This will take the 'X' off the string and move your hands and sticks into a Looper position.

8c) When the diabolo comes down, allow it to bounce on the double strings back up high into the air.

8d) Make sure that the sticks in your right hand are in a "V" shape and finish with a Right-handed Whip Catch and don't forget to smile.
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Double Coffee Grinder
(Doubling the strings of a Coffee Grinder)

Source:  Within

1) Begin with as much spin as possible.

2) First do the basic Coffee Grinder and stop after a few grinds.

3) Now pull your right stick back toward you a bit so its string goes directly over the left stick.

4) Pull down with the right stick and go under the diabolo left to right,

5) Now pull upward (right and forward a bit) with the right stick and wrap the string over the left stick (from the audiences side to your side.) The wrap of string is just left of the left stick's end. Notice how you have retraced the original coffee grinder string configuration.

6) Here you should see a similar looking Coffee Grinder only with double strings. Push the right stick's end into the string openings and begin grinding as you would with a regular Coffee Grinder.

7) Exit this Coffee Grinder as you normally would and notice that Cat's Cradle created has double 'X's. Note that there is a twist of string on one of the 'X's.
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Ungrinding Coffee Grinder
(Reversing to a left handed Coffee Grinder)

Source:  Andy

You may find this trick works best with a ratchet axle diabolo, for the last of the trick requires anti-spin movements.

1) Begin with as much spin as possible.

2) First do the basic Coffee Grinder and stop after a few grinds. Stop just after you go under the diabolo with the right stick.

3) Now hold your right stick a bit higher than the left stick and point your left stick upward.

4) Now your left hand is going to allow the string on your left stick to drop below the handle and off. This is done by reaching above the string that goes around left stick with your index finger (pointer finger) and thumb. Now release the rest of the left hand so the string falls off the bottom of the hand of the left stick. Return your left hand to a normal grasp of the left stick.

5) Notice that after the string drops to the diabolo that the diabolo is now on the Right Backside of the string.

6) From this point it is possible to do the opposite movement as the earlier Coffee Grinder and create a Left-handed Coffee Grinder.

7) 'Grind' this Left-handed Coffee Grinder with the Left hand and stick in a counter clockwise 'grind.' The diabolo is slowing with each circle of the diabolo, so you might only grind a few times.

8) You can get out with a toss and cross arm catch.
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Shining Coffee Grinder

source: Stephen and Aaron Hulka Hucknall

1) Get up a good amount of spin and standing in the normal position.

2) Do a Left Trapeze.

3) Then turn 90 degrees to your left and poke the right stick into the loop created by the trapeze. Note that your sticks are pointing in opposite directions.

4) Start the grinding movement tossing the diabolo towards you on to the string that directly in front of you.

5) Carry this on for a long as you can or want and when you have finished grinding, simply Sun the diabolo back over both sticks, back on to an open string.

6) Smile at the audience.
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Decaf

source: Aaron [}{]

1) Get a fair amount of spin, and hand your left stick over to your right hand so you are holding both sticks in the right hand. Hold the sticks in a 'V' so their ends ends are apart.

2) Hold the "V" sticks and the hanging diabolo a bit higher. Place your left wrist against the left side string and push outward and downward beginning a counterclockwise movement around the diabolo. Note: You may find it easier to hold sticks even higher so the sticks hang downward or off to your left side a bit. If the strings hang so they are near each other at the sticks' end, then the diabolo has less chance of jumping out of the string loop.

3) Make sure not to touch the diabolo as your hand and arm go around it. This is very similar to the way a stick goes around the diabolo in a Coffee Grinder Trick. Note: It may be easier to push against the left string with the back of your left hand and using your palm as you come up on the right side.

4) Continue 'grinding' with counterclockwise circles around the diabolo. This will actually add speed to the spinning diabolo.

4) To get out, you can easily take back your left stick with the left hand or toss it out of the loop with the left hand assisting the toss. Catch the diabolo by handing the left stick back to the left hand or with a Whip Catch since the sticks are in ready position in your right hand.
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