Fig. 6.—Plate ready for tossing.
Having mastered the principle of catching the plates in the manner described, practice holding the rod and tossing the plate with the same hand.
Hold the stick near to the point and between the fingers and the thumb ([Fig. 5]), whilst the outspread fingers are in the bowl of the plate, as in [Fig. 6]. These are shown separately to give a clearer idea of the meaning. Now, toss the plate into the air, as has been explained, again giving the wrist a smart turn to the right. Bring the rod sharply into position and catch the plate in the usual fashion.
Further Feats
Take a couple of rods, one in each hand, and send a plate spinning on the point of the right-hand rod. By giving a sharp upward jerk you will send the plate high into the air, and upon its descent you can catch it upon the end of the other rod. If the plate has been tossed very high, and is therefore likely to descend with some force, care must be taken when catching it not to shatter it into pieces. As soon as the plate touches the point of the wand, lower the latter some distance with the plate, and thus break the force of the impact—instead of breaking the plate.
This performance will prepare you for successfully achieving the following very effective show. Two persons are required for it, however, and both must be good spinners.
Fig. 7.—Plate spinning and balancing.
Let each performer take a plate and a rod. Then both should spin their plates, and throw them to each other, catching the plates upon their respective wands. The volley may then be returned in the same manner, increasing the speed each time until the plates fly from one to the other like tennis balls.
The first attempts will probably result in a shower of broken crockery, but practice will obviate such a palpable disadvantage, and after a time you will be able to complicate the exhibition by taking a rod and plate in each hand, thus having four plates flashing to and fro at the same time.