Replies to This Discussion

StudentPermalink Reply by Nicky B on August 30, 2010 at 4:30pm

Hey! I've been having the same problem. Actually, my friend and I were just discussing two days ago how we both have a problem maintaining split time. I can do split time weaves just fine (except I haven't figured out the three beat weave yet), but when I'm just hand hooping I can not keep them in split time....especially if I start to think about it to much. I, like you, have a hard time maintaining the rhythm on my right hand (I'm left handed). It's frustrating when I think about it because my friend and I have been hooping for a year now and we would love to keep progressing with minis but for some reason we can't get this basic movement. Ugh.
Anyways, just wanted to let you know you aren't alone and I am very happy you posted this. Can't wait to see the replies

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StudentPermalink Reply by AJ on August 30, 2010 at 6:10pm

I NEVER thought I'd be able to get split time or the 3beat weave. All I can say is practice practice practice. Don't even necessarily focus on what you're doing (split time). It took me about 3 months but as long as I practiced it a couple of times a week it eventually just came naturally! And I'm not very coordinated or rhythmically inclined, so if I can get it, ANYONE can!! Heck I even figured out a couple of other weaves naturally just from trying it so often. Incorporate some off body moves and weaves into your practice every day. And DONT GIVE UP!

By the way, I didn't really get the split weave so much before the 3beat as I did after. I preferred just jumping right into the 3beat with my right hoop first. After I learned the 3beat that way then I way able to start the 3beat from split time.

And if possible, maybe learn the chase weave first?

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StudentPermalink Reply by Miss Texas on August 30, 2010 at 6:32pm

hmm for me I like to think about it this way: One hand goes up while the other goes down. I start off the same. Then I start doing an up/down/up/down hand movement which causes the hoops to split. Also it helps not to think about it so much! Just think about splitting the way your hands are moving and the hoops will split too. It is hard to keep it for extended period of time b/c I start thinking too much about what I'm doing. Maybe just work on something else for a week and then go back to it, I bet you'll get it on the first try! Frustration and trying too hard only leads to more frustration and trying too hard... At least that's what I've found w/ hooping.

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Permalink Reply by Casey B. on August 30, 2010 at 7:58pm

Thanks for the replies. It's always nice to know you're not alone. It is just so frustrating, bc I feel like I should be able to get it and I've been working fairly consistently for like a month, but it still just hasn't clicked yet. And I know I'm overthinking it, which I agree, only makes it worse! I think I'm just the type of person that gets frustrated if they don't get it right away. Plus, my left hand is seriously getting old. I've tried to just jump into the 3 beat weave, but I can't get the hang of crossing my left hand over my right. It always wants to be under. I can do the 2 beat weave (is that the same as a chase weave?), but only with my right hand on top. I should probably try to practice that with the left on top. Uuugghh, its so frustrating but I will keep at it!

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StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on August 30, 2010 at 8:52pm

If you mean split time with the hoops rotating around your hands (rather than a weave) the concept that helped me was thinking of bicycle pedals. Pretend you're pedaling a bike with your hands instead of your feet!

And oh, when I first started minis, it was like learning to ride a bike! Lots of wobbles & falls until your body gets the idea. Then you can coast & it feels soooooo goooooooood!!!

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StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on August 30, 2010 at 8:55pm

Oh, & for 3-beat, I highly recommend practicing in ultra-slo-mo. Even though all the handing changes will be totally awkward, it will help your body understand what needs to be done when. I had all the handing & both sides down for ages but couldn't combine the two until I did the slo-mo for a couple of sessions. Then it came to me like magic.

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