The first three tricks — and the order to learn them in

Start with the tick-tock

Hold the hand sticks loosely, like drumsticks. Tap the stick from one side to the other, one tap per side. Do not catch it — let it bounce back. When you can do fifty without looking, move on.

Half flip

Same movement, but every fourth tap a little harder, so the stick turns half a turn. It lands on its other side and you keep tapping. This is the trick that makes people stop and watch.

Propeller

Now hit it hard enough for a full turn and keep it spinning with small pushes from underneath. Start slow. A stick with heavier tassels helps: the weight at the ends slows the rotation just enough to see what is happening.

Twenty minutes a day beats two hours on Sunday. Your wrists learn while you sleep.