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Pentix > Tricks > Index Spin Normal
 
last updated: Jan. 20, 2002
This is an impressive trick that makes the pen spin around your index finger. It follows the same principle as the 360 Degree Normal, but using only two fingers. In fact, the two tricks belong to the same family, meaning that they are very similar. I must say that this trick is harder, but it's worth the effort because the trick is less known (I haven't seen anyone perform or even describe this trick before) and is more attractive. The reason for being more attractive is the fact that the hand is wide open during the whole move, there are only two fingers moving, and the movement of the fingers can be kept to a minimum. This move is also useful in many combos.
Official Name: 360Degree-1-1-Normal Rotations: 1
Requirements: none Recommendations: 360Degree-1-Thumb-Normal
Difficulty: 3 Video: Index Spin



Step 1 - The Grip

Start by holding the pen by the tips of the index and middle fingers (1). Your hand should be in a vertical position, with the palm facing your left side (this angle of the hand is very important for gravity to act on the pen). The pen should be held by the fingers closer to the front (towards the tip of the pen). Most of the weight should be on the back end of the pen. This would make the pen fall back at an angle of about 45 degrees (2)

Step 2 - The Push

To perform the spin, fold your middle finger (1), pushing the pen upward in a counterclockwise direction. The middle finger should not be folded parallel to the other fingers, but rather upwards or closer to the index finger. Since the pen is originally held at an angle, the resistance of the index finger on the front end of the pen will cause the pen to spin. Also, make sure that the thumb and the ring finger are out of the way (2).
- note - The index finger acts as an axis. It does not need to move during the whole spin.






Step 3 - Middle Finger Retrieval

Continue folding your middle finger to allow the front end of the pen to pass freely (1). But this time continue the folding action of the middle finger towards the palm of your hand (in other words, to your right). You can also fold the other two fingers (ring and little finger) so they are not in the way (2).

Step 4 - The Catch Get-Ready

Proceed by straightening your middle finger (1). By folding your middle finger inwards as described in step 3, the finger can be straightened without colliding with any parts of the pen. This is the hardest step of the trick because the middle finger has to be very fast during the straightening movement (at least faster than the pen)
- note - In steps 2 to 5: When seen from the top view, the middle finger's processes describe a circle in counterclockwise direction.







Step 5- The Catch

After the pen has given one complete spin (and before the pen starts falling), fold your middle finger again to catch the pen (1). Timing the speed of your finger with the speed in which the pen spins is very important.
- note - The whole trick is relatively fast and takes less than a second. Therefore, your middle finger has to be fast in order to catch the pen coming back after one spin.
Tips:
- when learning, try to get the spin down first, then worry about the catch.
- the starting position of the pen is very important for the spin to come out smoothly. Try to find the best starting position and stick to it.

Note:
- Due to the difficulty of shooting still images of something that is animated, the above images may not be a 100% accurate.

Complete Sequence:

 
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