Diabolo: A Ladder of String Tricks

In pairs, sharing one diabolo, students climb a ladder of string tricks: the elevator, around the arm and around the leg. It builds two-hand coordination and the patience to link tricks together.

How to play

1. Review: start the diabolo by rolling it along the ground and speed it up with whips of the dominant hand (6 min).
2. The elevator: wrap the string once around the axle, pull it tight, and let the diabolo climb the string (8 min).
3. Around the arm: swing the diabolo over the non-dominant arm and catch it back on the string (8 min).
4. Around the leg: lift a leg and pass the diabolo under it, catching it on the other side (7 min).
5. Link two tricks and show them to another pair (6 min).

Rules

• One-minute turns per pair: whoever doesn't have the diabolo watches and helps.
• Pairs work three meters from the next pair.
• Hand sticks are never used to hit or sword fight.
• If the diabolo falls off the string, let it drop and pick it up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited use of one hand: strap the stick to the wrist with a band, or switch to spinning plates.
• Students with low vision: use a brightly colored diabolo and work near a plain wall.
• Wheelchair users: replace around the leg with around the other arm.

Learning goals

• Learn basic diabolo tricks.
• Coordinate two hands doing different jobs.
• Link tricks into a sequence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• diabolos with hand sticks: 15

Teacher tip

Diabolos spin better with fresh string, so check for fraying. Common mistake: letting the diabolo tilt without correcting it; teach them to turn the front stick toward the side it is dipping.

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