Devil Stick Basics

Students learn the devil stick from rocking it on the floor to alternating hits in the air with both hand sticks. It builds hand-eye coordination, control of force on each hit, and focus.

How to play

1. Pairs share one set (center stick and two hand sticks). One practices and the other helps; switch every 3 minutes. Keep 10 feet between pairs.
2. Step 1, the clock (4 min): kneeling, with the center stick standing on the floor. Use the hand sticks to gently tap it side to side like a pendulum, hitting above the middle.
3. Step 2, the metronome (4 min): standing, the partner holds the bottom end of the center stick. Tap alternately near the top so it swings left and right.
4. Step 3, in the air (5 min): the partner lets go. Soft, alternating upward taps, keeping the stick nearly vertical. Count consecutive taps.
5. Step 4, record (4 min): each student tries to beat their number of consecutive taps while the partner counts out loud.
6. Wrap-up (3 min): pairs share one tip that worked, like tapping more softly or watching the top of the stick.

Rules

• Soft taps: the stick should never go above head height.
• Keep 10 feet between pairs.
• If the stick falls, let it fall; nobody tries to catch it with their face or foot.
• Hand sticks are only for tapping the center stick.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do the clock and metronome seated with the stick resting on a table.
• Shyness: practice in a corner with the same partner and keep the record private.
• Coordination difficulties: use a stick with streamers on the ends, which moves more slowly.

Learning goals

• Keep a devil stick moving with alternating taps.
• Adjust the force of each tap based on how the stick responds.
• Improve focus on a precision task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• devil sticks: 13

Teacher tip

If you don't have enough sets, combine this with stations of balls or scarves. Keep stressing soft taps: the typical mistake is hitting hard and losing the stick.

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