How to Spin a Pencil Backwards Around Your Thumb

Separate yourself from the masses by moving to the next level of pencil spinning.

[edit] Steps

  1. Starting Position
    Starting Position
    Hold the pencil in the position that the normal thumb spin ended in, with the far end of the pencil resting on the first joint of your index finger.
  2. Curled Finger
    Curled Finger
    Curl your index finger slightly up the shaft of the pencil, until the tip of the finger is half way between the hand and thumb. The pencil should not move at all.
  3. In Mid-Spin
    In Mid-Spin
    Push the pencil forward with your index finger. The push should end in such a way that the nail of the index finger is completely touching the thumb.
  4. Catch the pencil between the thumb and middle finger after the pencil completes one revolution. It is possible to catch it with the index finger as well, however it is not necessary.


[edit] Tips

  • The most important part of this trick is the push from the index finger. Experiment with different strengths and different positions to start from.
  • Don't get frustrated! It takes many tries to get it right, and even more practice to perfect the trick.
  • If you're doing this trick after a normal thumb spin, make sure you catch it far enough down the pencil to be able to spin back.
  • It is possible to perform a normal thumb spin directly after this trick. Simply complete the spin and catch the pencil with only the middle finger, then do the second spin (the normal thumb spin) as if you had already raised your index finger. Allow your middle finger to rock back slightly before the push. If done correctly, it will look like the pencil spins and then bounces back.
  • It is much more difficult, although still possible, to perform this trick immediately after a normal thumb spin. The only difference is that you won't be able to position the pencil before you perform the spin, so make sure you're spinning it properly into position. If you have a repeated back and forth exchange, it is called a "Harmonic".
  • This is the reverse version of the trick (normal goes counterclockwise for right-handed people, while reverse goes clockwise).


[edit] Warnings

  • Beware of RSI caused by repeated practice.
  • Do not practice this without something in place to catch the pencil.


[edit] Things You'll Need

  • Pencil or pen


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Categories:Pencil Tricks

Authors

Ian Henry, Flickety, Anonymous, Dave Crosby, KnowItSome, Jack H, Najaf, Rob S, Someone09, Zoe Volt, OhioMike
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