Pen Spinning
Pen spinning is the art of manipulating a pen through various tricks and rotations using your fingers. What starts as a simple fidget becomes a mesmerizing skill that you can practice anywhere you have a writing instrument. Join a global community of spinners who have elevated this everyday movement into an impressive form of finger dexterity.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Any pen or pencil (longer pens work better)($0)
Optional
- ○Unsharpened pencil or marker with caps on both ends($0-2)
- ○Beginner pen mod (Ivan Mod or Menowa VGG)($5-15)
How To Do It
- 1
Find a suitable pen
Grab any pen or pencil you have. Longer pens (15+ cm) with some weight work best. A marker with caps on both ends, an unsharpened pencil, or a ballpoint pen all work fine. Avoid very short pens or hexagonal-shaped ones.
- 2
Learn the ThumbAround
Hold the pen between your thumb and index finger near the center. Place your middle finger behind the pen. Push with your middle finger while moving your index finger out of the way, letting the pen rotate around your thumb. Catch it between your thumb and index finger.
- 3
Practice the catch
The hardest part is catching the pen after it rotates. Keep your thumb straight and rigid during the spin. Start slowly and focus on catching before worrying about speed. Drop the pen often - this is normal and expected.
- 4
Build consistency
Once you can land the trick occasionally, aim to complete it 5-10 times in a row before considering it learned. Practice while watching TV or listening to music to make the repetition less tedious. When you can do it without thinking, you are ready to learn more tricks.
- 5
Explore the fundamentals
After mastering the , move on to the other three fundamental tricks: , , and . These four tricks form the foundation for all advanced pen spinning moves and can be combined into impressive s.
Tips
- →Practice over a bed, carpet, or soft surface. You will drop the pen hundreds of times while learning, and a soft landing reduces noise and frustration.
- →Common mistake: gripping the pen too tightly. Relax your fingers and let the pen spin freely. Tension prevents smooth rotation.
- →Keep your thumb straight and rigid during the . Even a slight bend changes the pen's trajectory and makes catching much harder.
- →Don't skip the version of tricks. Learning after mastering the normal version builds versatility and prepares you for s.
- →Practice during downtime - while on calls, watching videos, or waiting. Short, frequent sessions build muscle memory faster than long, intense ones.
Communities
Resources
- Pen Stock YouTube Channel
Comprehensive pen spinning tutorials organized by difficulty, from fundamentals to advanced tricks.
- The Troposphere (penspinning.org)
The original pen spinning website since 2003, with beginner video tutorials and trick breakdowns.
- Penspinning Central
Detailed written guides for each fundamental trick with slow-motion video examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn pen spinning?
You can learn your first trick () in 15-30 minutes of focused practice. Mastering it to the point of doing it without thinking takes a few days to a week. The four fundamental tricks together typically take 2-4 weeks.
Do I need to buy a special pen mod?
No! Start with any pen or pencil you already have. Longer pens with some weight work best. A marker with caps on both ends or an unsharpened pencil are great free options. s help but are not necessary for learning the fundamentals.
Why does my pen keep flying away or falling?
You are likely gripping too tightly or pushing too hard. Relax your fingers and use just enough force to start the rotation. Also check that your thumb is straight - bending it changes the pen's trajectory.
What is the best order to learn tricks?
Start with , then learn or , then . After mastering the normal versions, learn the of each trick before moving to intermediate tricks. This progression builds the foundation for everything else.
Is pen spinning bad for my hands?
No, pen spinning is a low-impact activity that actually improves finger dexterity and coordination. Take breaks if your fingers feel fatigued, just like any repetitive motion. Many people find it a relaxing fidget activity.
What is the most common beginner mistake?
Trying to spin too fast before mastering control. Focus on clean, slow executions first. Another common mistake is using a pen that is too short or too light - longer, heavier pens are much easier to learn with.