Tricks

Hoop Throws

Uplift your performances and hoop play time with a couple of hoop throws.

No hooping session is complete without throwing the hoop. Be it large or small throws, it’s important to release the hoopla energy out into the atmosphere.

To begin with, it’s best to throw with the hoop spinning backwards at the side of the body. Using the open and close hand motion will help you control the speed of the hoop. Depending on the direction you want to throw the hoop you release the hoop with an added little push. For example if you wanted to throw the hoop vertically into the air whilst spinning the hoop backward you would give an extra little push upwards as the hoop comes to the front of the body. It might take a few tries to get the direction/height you require but soon you will master when to release and how hard to push.

TIP: When you first try hoop throws you might have a few squabbles with the hoop about who is in charge and it could seem like the hoop has a mind of it's own. Until you learn to master the hoop throw practice in a big open space - parks and fields far away from oncoming traffic (cars/other people) are perfect. Also size does matter - keep it small to start with and build up to the more dramatic satellite bumping throws as you become more confident.

What goes up must come down......

There are three kinds of catches you can try:

1. In the hand keeping the hoop spinning
2. In the hand bringing the hoop to a dramatic stop
3. On the arm keeping the hoop spinning (this third option lends itself well to moving straight into bird arms).

TIP: Keep you eye on the hoop whilst in the air and avoid catching the hoop with any part of your head or anyone elses ....

Want to get more from your hoop throw ???

O Start with the hoop spinning in front of you and throw the hoop to your other hand. If you are throwing right to left the hoop will need to be spinning anti-clockwise; clockwise for a left to right transfer

O Add a spin whilst the hoop is in the air. Your throw will need to be higher to allow for the time it takes to spin on the spot and remember to keep your eye on the hoop until you know exactly how the hoop is going to behave.

O Throw the hoop to a fellow hooper. Remember to take responsibility for your throw! This is the most important aspect of partner or group hoop throwing. It is a lot easier for others to catch if they have a well- executed throw to work from.

Have a fun and remember a safe, confidently thrown hoop looks amazing and will wow any crowd be it a crowded theatre or people walking their dogs in the park. ENJOY !!

Previously featured tricks:

Disco Arms

Disco arms is like every other transition trick that involves moving the hoop from one part of the body to the next in that it requires an understanding of the gaps in between.

1. Start with the hoop spinning around the neck
2. Straight after the push that propells the hoop with your neck, throw an arm directly up in the air through the hoop so that the hoop is now propelling around your armpit and neck.
Note that there are now two different parts of your body that the hoop is spinning around so these are the contact points that you must activate to keep it going on.

Often people have trouble finding these gaps because they hesitate and doubt their ability to achieve something that looks more difficult than it actually is. Also the fear of the hoop hitting you in the face is both prevalent and real! At this beginner stage, simply try finding that gap with both arms and move from neck to each disco arm and see how quickly you can make the transition. Just remember – the gap is immediately after your push so, push then arm UP!

Drill: use a count of 4-1. Neck count to 4 > one arm up > hold for count of 4 > neck for count of 4 > other arm up for count of 4 > neck for count of 3 > one arm up > hold for count of 3... and so on.

Hoop Vortex aka Vertical Step Through

Ever wish you could be transported to another world? The Hoop Vortex allows you to step between the wonderful worlds of hoopla.

1. Start with the hoop spinning backwards in your hand on the right side of the body. Using the open and close hand motion will help you control the speed of the hoop. Keep the hoop low so it nearly touches the floor as it spins.
2. Step your right leg into the hoop as the hoop reaches the bottom part of the spin. As the spin continues feed the rest of your body through finishing with your head as the hoop reaches the top of the spin. Depending on the size of your hoop you may need to lean slightly forward and duck into the hoop.
3. As the hoop reaches the final part of the spin (the gap in the hoop behind you) allow the hoop to roll over the back of your hand and grab hold of the hoop. This will slow down the hoop. Your right hand will be behind you somewhere near your bottom, your body to the right of the hoop with your left leg straddling the hoop. To continue the spin grab the hoop in front of you with your left hand as you bring out your left leg.
4.Spin the hoop on the left side of the body. Now back the right side .....

Once you have mastered this both ways you will be able to transport yourself from side to side removing the side spins. With this you don't actually step completely out of the hoop - it's more ducking in and out of the hoop lifting your leg as you do so giving the illusion of stepping in and out. Check out this link which gives a great little demo of the trick.

Tips to nail the move:

> Count it in on 4 so that you don’t turn the trick into psychological torment
> Learn to drill yourself on 4, removing the care-factor
> Slow the trick down – to begin with the hand transfer can be slowed right down however don't stop the spin all together as you will need some momentum to keep the spin going on the other side of the body.

Foot Hooping

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.
To start the hoop on your side

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.

To move onto the back and switch legs

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.

Finishing the foot hoop

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.
I want more WOW ....

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....

Lasso To Waist

The lasso to waist transfer involves three steps.

1. While spinning the lasso above your head with a relaxed open hand and let the hoop roll around your hand with full control (replacing the open and close hand motion) . Guide the hoop down and across your body doing nothing different except lowering the hand with the hoop resting on the hand’s side. You will notice it takes one revolution for the hoop to travel down.

2. At the same time as bringing the hoop down on your hand (right hand for anti-clockwise hoopers and left for clockwise) the opposite hand comes up from the side and through the hoop to a straight position in the air. It is as though you are almost crossing hands as they sweep in opposite directions in a fluid motion.

3. Once you have guided the hoop to waist height, whip it onto your body by rolling your wrist inward so the palm faces slightly outward. The hoop is still resting on the side of your hand. You are going to give the hoop some extra vavavoom! as you whip it around your body. Ideally it should land flat and fast so that you need not hoop at all but simply stand nice and straight with the hoop spinning freely around your waist.

Tips to nail the move:

> You must lower your hand
> Learn to let go
> Don’t drop the hoop or hold the hoop but guide the hoop!
> Close your eyes to feel it rather than think about it
> Count it in on 4 so that you don’t turn the trick into psychological torment
> Learn to drill yourself on 4, removing the care-factor
> Remember that there are three elements to this trick that all happen in sequence
> Slow or fast lassos are both OK – slow to begin with is often better
> Remember that you are propelling the hoop in the direction of its orbit
> Make sure your lasso is going in the same direction as your natural ‘current’.

A current is a term used for the direction you hoop in