Staff spinning: The basics

So you want to start with staff spinning? Wonderful! Let me help you on your way with covering some of the basics first. :)

Material

Well, obviously you need a staff to practice with. When you're just starting it doesn't really matter if you have a professional staff or just a broomstick. The techniques stay the same, so if you don't want to spent a lot of money find yourself a broomstick or something similar. 

Later on, when you progress it's maybe worth to invest in a better quality staff because some techniques require a certain length, weight or even material, certainly when you advance into contact moves. You can buy one or make one yourself. If you want some more information on this, just ask!

Theory 

Basically there are 5 planes in which you can move your staff: The front and back plane, the left and right plane and the top plane. When you start learning a technique it's a good idea to know in what plane or planes you're working in. It will make it easier to learn the move and make it look better when you consciously try to keep it in that plane. In the next chapter you will see a perfect example of moves in a certain plane: the rotors.

Rotors

The rotor is one of the first moves to learn as it's a good way to get to know the different planes.
Rotor (front plane)

Side rotor (side plane)
Rotor behind the back (back plane)

Helicopter rotor (top plane)
If you want to see all these moves in one go, see this playlist

Figure 8
Once you get used to working in the different planes, it's time to try to transition from one plane to another. Figure 8's are great for that.
Figure 8 (left and right plane)
Reverse figure 8 (left and right plane)

More info will be added later! ;)