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Permalink Reply by circularlogic on August 11, 2009 at 4:03pm

Are you turning slightly with the hoop when you put your foot back in? That definitely helps. Also, have you tried hoops of different sizes? I find getting in MUCH harder with my smaller hoops.

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Permalink Reply by Paula Stambaugh on August 12, 2009 at 5:41am

I'll use your tips and a bigger hoop and keep trying. Thanks!!

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Permalink Reply by Lealyn on August 11, 2009 at 6:29pm

Ha! My two hardest tricks to learn!! When I started the shoulder thing I was convinced that it was impossible... just couldn't wrap my mind around what I could have possibly been doing wrong! Why does it always fly off? I'm doing everything she said!!! %$!!??$% And getting that other leg back in??? Frustrating! But ah yes... just as with all the rest of the tricks, if you keep trying, it happens and you don't have to think about it or try so hard anymore. I can do both legs and get them both back in easily when just a few months ago I was pulling my hair out about it.... ahhhh, memories! Keep workin on it sugar!

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Permalink Reply by Paula Stambaugh on August 12, 2009 at 5:40am

Thanks for the encouragement, lealyn. I know what you mean, once you have it down it's like "now why was this so hard?" but till that point it's a little frustrating to say the least. I try to just be like a kid and laugh and pick it up again. But sometimes!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Siren of the Circle* on August 12, 2009 at 9:25am

As far as the one shoulder goes, remember to keep it pushed all the way up, try thinking of trying to touch your shoulder to your earlobe. I have no problem with my left shoulder (I hoop counter clockwise) but it still occasionally flies off the right one.

As far as one legged, I agree with circularlogic - turn with the hoop and bigger is better ;) I'm with you on foot scoop though. If it drops past my kneecap, I just can't seem to get it back up (I also still can't get the kickstart, which uses the same mechanism). But as with everything else, just don't give up! I haven't, and refuse to. Just tell yourself "I WILL get this" :)

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Permalink Reply by Paula Stambaugh on August 12, 2009 at 10:16am

I WILL get this! I like your style Girl...Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Chantal Dings on August 18, 2009 at 8:24am

If the hoop falls below your knee I find taking a slight pigeon toed stance with your knees together but your feet pointing in helps me save the hoop, I'm not sure if it's just me or if it actually works, you look kind of silly at first but it helps get the hoop back up because of the angle it creates when you try pulling the hoop up with your leg as oppsoed to your foot. Hope that helps and doesn't just confuse haha Happy Hooping !

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Permalink Reply by Paula Stambaugh on August 18, 2009 at 9:52am

Thanks, Chantal

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Permalink Reply by lula houp-garou on August 18, 2009 at 9:05am

as far as getting the leg out, i just sort of go for it and then immediately start "pumping" my knee (bending and unbending slightly and quickly) to keep the hoop going around the one leg.

and as for getting it in, i think it's just one of those things where you keep at it and eventually it just "clicks" and suddenly you can do it.

it does have a great deal to do with your connection to the hoop, though. it's pretty similar to waist hooping and "dipping" your hands into the space between your body and the hoop. when you first try it, it's scary and awkward, but then after a while you get comfortable with it and just sort of instinctively know when the hoop's going to come around again. if you haven't already, try doing that blindfolded for a few minutes.

anyway, it's the same principle. once you get more comfortable with one leg hooping, you'll be able to anticipate the hoop's movement and will instinctively know when you can "dip" your foot back down. then it's just a matter of connecting with the hoop and lightly flicking it up with the top of your foot. it's a very quick, brief upwards nudge. any longer contact than that and you'll get tangled up in the hoop and bust up your ankle. i speak from experience. :)

just keep working on it. i only got comfortable with this move a couple of month ago, and i've been hooping for a year!

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Permalink Reply by Paula Stambaugh on August 18, 2009 at 9:51am

Thanks for the tips, LuLa I will definitely keep at it. It's so hot here in TX I wish I had more practice time. It will cool down soon and I will have to make more gym time. I have also been hooping almost a year so it's about time to get this one, right? Yeah!

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