LEARN TO SPIN
AND JUGGLE PLATES

Getting Started

First, you will need a stick and a plate.

Plates can be purchased from juggling vendors online. And sometimes these vendors will include the sticks as well. If the stick isn't included, go to your local hardware store and buy a dowel a quarter inch in diameter that is three feet long. Sand down one end until it comes to a very dull point. Make sure the point is not sharp, otherwise you can injure yourself.

To get started you must, of course, first get your plate spinning. There are two ways of starting a plate:

First Plate Spinning Method

Hold your plate in your right hand. Take a stick in your left hand and put it underneath the top of the rim. Release your plate and let it stay on the stick (figure 1).

Commence spinning your stick in a circular motion -- slowly at first, then gradually speeding up.

The plate will be vertical when you start (figure 2). As you spin faster, the plate will begin to move into a horizontal position (figure 3). The faster you spin, the more stable the plate should be.

Once the plate becomes stable, you can gently guide your stick towards the center of the plate (figure 4).

If the plate slows down, use the palm of your free hand to gently strike the side of the plate to speed it up. Do not strike it too hard, or you will destabilize the plate (figure 5).

Second Plate Spinning Method

This method is more difficult and should be learned second.

Orient your plate horizontally. Give it a good spin and throw it up in the air at the same time. Make sure the plate stays horizontal during your throw.

As the plate descends, catch it in the center with your stick. To ease the contact, as you catch it, lower your stick at the same time.

This method will take some practice, but is rewarded by a superior audience response. If you drop, cover with the following comedy line: "First time that's ever happened again."

Juggling Plates

This assumes that you already know how to juggle with balls or clubs. If not, there are many great resources on the web for tutorials.

The Throw: Place a plate in your right hand. Throw it about one to two feet above your head. Give the plate a spin as you release it, so that it remains stable in the air.

The Catch: Catch the plate between your thumb and four fingers. Keep your four fingers together as much as possible. When you catch the plate, the rim should make gentle contact with crook of your hand (between your thumb and forefinger.) Your thumb and four fingers should close around the plate.

More Plate Tricks

Juggling two plates in one hand and spinning a plate in your other hand: Get two plastic ordinary dinner plates for the juggling hand. Use a special spinning plate for your other hand.

First get your spinning plate spinning. Then grab your other two plates in your free hand.

The first throw is very important. You must make sure the plates separate cleanly on the first throw. To achieve this, place a forefinger between the two plates so that there is room between them. This will prevent them from "sticking" at the release.

Once you have thrown up the first plate, check to make sure your spinning plate is still spinning. If so, proceed to throw your second plate in the air and begin the juggle.