Ever wanted the wow factor without the effort of standing up then do we have the trick for you ... Foot hooping is a fantastic way to get the hoops spinning at a different level. There are a couple of ways to start the hoop on the foot. The easiest way is starting the hoop in your hand and placing the hoop into the foot. Which hand or which direction you spin the hoop around the foot is usually determined by whether you are a clockwise or anti-clockwise spinner. The majority of hoopers go anti clockwise so if you spin clockwise maybe try reserving the instructions.
1) Lay on your left side with your body supported on your left arm. Legs should be slightly bent for support (we don't want you rolling around)
2) Start the hoop spinning in your right hand in an anti clockwise direction above the body (cat position).
3) Start to raise your right leg towards the sky and as you do place the spinning hoop on to the end of your foot as you bring it up. The easiest way to achieve this is for the hand to reach as close as possible to the foot and make a smooth pass from hand to foot.
4) With the hoop on the end of your foot make small circular movements with the foot. Remember that whatever part of the body the hoop is on is the part that needs to propel the hoop, so in this case the foot is propelling the hoop. You can use the right arm to support the right leg if required and I would recommend this when you first start as your leg will tire easily and it allows for more control.
(5) If possible straighten out your left leg but only do so i you feel confident you can keep the balance. This looks better and is not essential to performing the trick.
1) Lower your body from the cat position and slowly roll onto your back.
2) Start to raise your left leg and slip your left foot into the hoop at the same time as you lower your right leg. So now the left foot is propelling the hoop.
3) Start a 4 to 1 drill where you alternate feet on a count. Start on one foot for 4 counts, then 4 counts on the other foot, switch back to the first foot for 3 counts, 3 counts on the other foot... until you reach a one to one count on each foot.
4) From this position you can then roll onto your right side and repeat the side spin on the other side.
To safely stop the hoop from the side position simply lower the foot and slip a hand (the one not supporting the body) into the hoop. As before the easiest and safest way to achieve this is for the hand to reach as close as possible to the foot and make a smooth pass from hand to foot. You can either continue the spin in the hand or you can stop the hoop in a controlled way.
This trick can be advance further by rolling onto your front or with the addition of a headstand and handstands. You can of course do foot hooping whilst standing up but you need very good balance and be able to get your leg up by your ear - if you want to attempt this one I suggest a whole heap of stretching before you start....
