Maybe you know someone who can spin a pencil around their thumb. You may be able to do it too, but there is one thing that will amaze everyone: to spin a pencil around the middle finger. Leave your friends speechless.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Perform the Rotation
Step 1. Hold the pencil in the starting position
Place the tip of the pencil on the index finger, the middle part on the middle finger, while the thumb should be opposite these two fingers. The nail of the ring finger must rest on the inside of the pencil. Clear? Perfect.
The pencil will appear to be suspended only thanks to the fingertips, and this is essential to carry out the rotation. Your hand must also be relaxed. It may seem like this is a precarious position, but it is precisely this that will allow you to turn the pencil over and over again
Step 2. Stiffen the ring finger, bringing it back
Part of the initial push comes from the ring finger as it stiffens, which pushes the pencil around the middle finger. You will probably find that the little finger also follows the same movement; do not worry, the little finger however does not interfere with the movement.
This is only part of the big picture. You can practice this move, but you won't be able to perfect it until you have learned the other moves as well
Step 3. Set your index finger and thumb aside
Deal with it separately:
- The pencil was resting on the tip of your index finger. As you rotate it around your middle finger, move your index finger outward, away from the pencil. You will need it for the "landing" of the pencil, but during the initial push you have to move it.
- The thumb, on the other hand, must run along the pencil towards the tip. When this is lifted, the thumb will naturally detach from the tip of the pencil. These two movements are the ones that will make the pencil rotate around the middle finger. Your thumb will also come in handy once you complete the turn.
Step 4. When the pencil has started the round, bring your middle finger forward
After the thumb has left the tip and the ring finger has pushed the pencil, bring the middle finger towards you, bending it slightly forward. In this way the pencil rotates and the thumb and index finger will be able to catch it again.
It is a very small movement. If you put too much effort into it, the pencil will take off and your teachers won't be very happy about it
Step 5. Grab the pencil with your thumb
When the pencil has made a full rotation around the middle finger, stop it with your thumb. At this point, also grab it with your index finger, which will position itself under the pencil. That's all, you've done a full circle.
Step 6. You can continue to rotate the pencil or stop here
Once you have done the rotation, put your fingers in the starting position. And then do a lot of practice.
When the pencil makes a full rotation around the middle finger, it should be in the space between the thumb and forefinger. As it completes the rotation, grab it with any finger and thumb. The pencil should end up in the position you usually take when writing, or something similar. This is a good way to end the game
Part 2 of 2: Perfecting the Technique
Step 1. Start slowly
As you learn, perform the movements as if you were moving in slow motion. Try to guide the pencil around your middle finger so that you can understand the movement perfectly. As you get better, start moving faster. You just need time and patience.
- You will find that moving slowly you will have to use your index finger to bring the pencil up to the thumb. This is the main difference between going slow and going fast. When you move fast, the pencil has enough push that it doesn't need the extra push of the index finger.
- When you feel confident enough, try turning without using your thumb. In this way you will be able to combine this game with other movements; having to adjust the position of the pencil because you are leaning on your thumb would make you lose the thread.
Step 2. Experiment with different types of pencils and pens
Pencils and pens can come in different lengths and weights, and you need to find the ones that suit your style. If you are not comfortable with the pencil you have decided to use, try changing it; often the problem is not in the technique, but in the instrument.
Long, thin pencils can be particularly problematic. Imagine having two meters long arms and having to rotate around something, it would be very difficult. Try using a shorter and thicker pen, you may find yourself better
Step 3. Try a double rotation
When you have learned the technique, try putting the pencil in the starting position but using the little and ring fingers. Following the same steps, rotate the pencil around the middle finger, so that it reaches the position between the middle and ring fingers. At that point you can make a new rotation, and the effect will be very special. You can also rotate the pencil until it reaches a position between the index and middle fingers!
Learning to play this trick in reverse can be helpful, so you can go on forever
Step 4. Try different rotations
This rotation is particularly suitable for when you are in class. Since the pencil is stopped by the thumb, you do not run the risk of throwing the pencil in the middle of the class, or worse still towards the teacher. However, it may not be the game for you. You can try spinning a pencil around your thumb, or spinning a pencil around your thumb in reverse. There are various ways to do this.
Advice
- Place a cloth on the table to prevent the pencil from bouncing and falling to the ground.
- Practice in your free time or while watching television.
- As you improve your skills, try to move your middle finger less and less. In the end there should be hardly any movement except that of the pencil.
- Make sure you don't keep your fingers too tight, or the pencil may fly through the air, spinning quickly.
- Change the strength you use for this trick. The way described above may work for some but not for others.
- After completing the rotation, put the pencil in the starting position with the help of the other hand if you get stuck.
Warnings
- A blunt pencil or mechanical pencil will reduce the chances of getting hurt.
- If you decide to use a pen, make sure it has a cap. Sometimes the ink from the pens can come out of the tip when you spin them.
- If the pencil flies through the air as you spin it, it could hit someone. Don't put too much force into it, it should be a natural movement.
