Learning the Hoops{definetly a beginner}

Okay, I'm currently using shoe lace I believe a 32in or 36in on a regular glowstick. I have trouble learning how to wrap the shoe lace around my finger, or I don't know what finger to wrap it around really! I've been basically just spinning them in circles frantically, and they unravel off my hand. I'm so thankful to God I found this site because I really enjoy this art and/or hobby. It's open me up alot since I've started and sad because I've seen people soooo good at this and got discouraged for a minute. So, does anyone know what the hoops are for? And how do I attach this to a regular glowstick? Do hoops help with the spinning and moves better? Right now for me, it all about learning the hoops....HELP!! lol

Hoops?

You can tie knots for handles, or tie a loop (a bowline will work well) in the string if you want a bit more security. It does not really matter which finger you loop it on. I have the tether passing up between thumb and forefinger.

I have no idea what you're talking about, honestly. I thought you were talking about hula hoops at first.

By the way, if it's poi you're trying to learn, you should probably have two glow sticks. Also, I think 32 or 36 inches is way too long for a string. Go shorter.

can u happen to upload a picture of what you mean? Or direstions? I have the slightest clue what tether is...

no not hula hoops. Regular glowsticks with a shoelace. I don't know how to tie em around my hand to get a better grip and I thought the hoops they have for sale on here could connect somehow with the shoe lace to get the spinning process smoother. So you have any ideas?

If you just want something to practice with, I'd say get two knee high socks and put a tennis ball into each of them. Honestly, I don't really like spinning regular glow sticks because they're too light. Flow lights are good because you can get cases and flow mass to weigh them down, but I hate regular glow sticks for spinning.

http://www.homeofpoi.com/lessons_all/teach/Simple-Sock-Poi-3_50_189

http://www.flowtoys.com/ for LED poi.

right hand, palm up and fingers pointing to the left, slip through the shoelace. At this point you'll have one half of the lace going across your palm. Bring the back lace between your middle finger and index finger. both laces will now hang between your index finger and thumb. This is the standard way of holding shoe lace grips for poi moves and the majority of string manipulations.

There are countless videos regarding this topic. If you are going to purchase grips from HoP.com without leashes you will need to learn how to tie a more complicated knot, that I suspect, you are used to. Google is your friend.

Thanks for recommending the flowtoy site. A lot better to get those then constantly purchasing glowsticks that last a couple hours or left in the freezer only about 2-3 days. Thanks so much!

Well thanks for the advice. i haven't seen any videos on here on gripping the lace or tieing. There's so many videos it's overwhelming! And what are grips? You mentioned HOP sells grips for poi moves. Never heard of that. Thanks!

I tried putting the lace the way you described but where does the back lace go?

Tether = leash/cord/string.

So one way (of a lot of possible ways) to do it is:
* to tie a non-slipping loop (like a bowline).
* Hold your hand out with your palm facing the floor.
* Put the loop over your middle finger, so the poi-head hangs straight down.
* Rotate your hand 90°, so your palm faces the same side of your body as the arm (so your palm is to the right on your right hand, left on your left). This should cause the cord to hang from your middle finger across your palm to the thumb-side.
* Pinch it between your thumb and forefinger and you are set.

Searching on youtube for AlienJon and poi grips will get you some more options, since he did a very good video on it a while ago.

okay this helped. I just slipped the glowstick w the rest of the right through the fore finger and middle finger and now it doesn't slip off. And I can move my wrist better without the lace coming undone. Now, what is the tape for? I notice some folks put tape around the fingers. Is this to protect the fingers from getting hit?

Likely to prevent blisters due to the friction of the cord rubbing. Depending on the cord, it may also be quite sharp, and cut into your fingers some.

Unless it is padded, it will not really help minimise pain when getting hit though.