Variations of Pen Twirling

Everyone has seen that one student in his class who can someone twirl his pen around his fingers nonchalantly while the teacher lectures. Everyone has tried to mimic his motions once in awhile, an attempt that usually ends in frustration and awe at the students who can actually do the little trick. However, as any avid pen twirling will be sure to let you know, there are actually several different methods of pen twirling and it is very rare for anyone to be able to perform all of the skillfully. For anyone who is still unaware of the wonderful world of pen twirling, here is a list at the basic different types/methods with short descriptions of each of them.

1) All finger pen twirling: This is the simplest method and involves using all of your fingers with the exception of your thumb. In this method the pen starts between the first and middle fingers and is turned one hundred and eighty degrees between each of the fingers as it is passed through/to them. In this manner the pen is twirled down to between the ring and last fingers and then this motion is reversed so that the pen travels back up the hand again. This pattern is repeated continuously.

2) Two finger continuous pen twirling: This method is more complicated and takes more skill. It involves only the first and second (pointer and middle) fingers of your dominant hand. During this type of pen twirling the pen moves in a circular fashion between these two fingers, due to a circular motion by the top (pointer) finger and stabilization by the bottom (middle) finger. The pen keeps moving as long as the top finger is spinning it around and the bottom finger is supporting it.

3) Two finger pen catching: This method is almost identical to the pattern described in number two. The only difference is that instead of continuing in a rotational motion the pen is actually caught by one end of it in the small flap of skin that connects your thumb to forefinger every time the pen make s a full rotation. Although somewhat choppier in motion than the second method described, it is actually a more difficult method.

4) Thumb pen twirling: This method is perhaps the most difficult of them all. It involves balancing a pen on the upper portion of your thumb while spinning it around in a circle. The main trick with this little skill is getting the pen to spin quick enough and evenly enough so that it remains balanced on top of your thumb. Again, like the third method mentioned, this type of pen twirling stops with every 360 degrees of rotation.