Diabolo Toss and Partner Pass

Once students can spin a diabolo, they learn to toss it up and catch it on the string, then pass it to a partner a few feet away. Students work on spin control, accurate tosses, and catching cooperatively.

How to play

1. In pairs, one diabolo per pair and a 13-by-13-foot zone marked with cones, away from other pairs. Review: start the diabolo and speed it up by pulling with the dominant hand (3 min).
2. Short toss: with the diabolo spinning fast, snap the sticks apart to launch it about 3 feet up, and catch it on the string with arms extended (5 min).
3. High toss: send it up 6 feet, track it with your eyes, and give with the sticks as it lands on the string (4 min).
4. Partner pass: standing 6 feet apart, one partner tosses in a gentle arc onto the other's tight string. Count passes in a row (6 min).
5. Final challenge: each pair chases its record of passes without a drop in 2 minutes (2 min).

Rules

• Only toss when your partner says ready.
• Never toss toward anyone's face or into another zone.
• Keep the sticks below shoulder height when you are not tossing.
• If the diabolo drops, wait until it stops rolling before picking it up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student works seated with short tosses, and the partner passes from close range.
• Shyness: let the pair practice near the wall with no show-and-tell turns.
• Skill level: students who cannot yet keep the spin stay with starting and short tosses.

Learning goals

• Keep the diabolo spinning before each toss.
• Toss and catch the diabolo on the string accurately.
• Coordinate signals and actions with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• diabolos: 13
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Without enough spin the diabolo tilts in the air, so ask for 10 pulls before each toss. You need a high ceiling, so avoid areas with low lights or hoops.

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