How To Spin a Fidget Spinner – Beginners Guide

The most common problem for people new to fidget spinners is knowing how to spin your fidget spinner. It can take about an hour to get used to spinning, so take your time as it’s a motion your hands aren’t used to. However, once you learn the basics, you can get your spinner moving nice and effectively.

There are two basic ways to spin, using three different fingers, so 6 total. But, they’re basically just copies of each other. The first way to spin your fidget spinner is the one most people use. Pinch the button between your thumb and second finger. You are then using your index finger to do the flicking.

Much like tennis there is a forehand and backhand, except in fidget spinners we call it “overhand” and “underhand”

Overhand

Overhand – Click to enlarge

Overhand is when you spin the fidget spinner towards you. This is more of a pull than a flick. This is the most intuitive method of spinning and the one most people go to when they first hold a spinner. However, in reality this technique is harder to do when going for speed. However, unlike the underhand you can add speed by pulling it over and over to build up speed.

Underhand

Underhand – Click to Englarge

The underhand is much more of a flick. This means that It is inherently the faster of the methods. When using your index finger, imagine you are flicking something off your thumb. Out of all the techniques, the underhand with your index finger will get your spinner moving the fastest (using only one hand)

Different Fingers

The next step in learning how to spin your fidget spinner is to try it with different fingers. Generally you can use your first three fingers as your little finger isn’t much use for beginner spinning.

Holding with your second finger and spinning with your index finger is the most natural, but inversing that and holding with your index finger and thumb can be the most comfortable. For those that use computers your index finger can tire quickly, so using your second finger (which is generally pretty idol) can be the most comfortable and reduce the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

The Swiss

The third option is to hold with your thumb and second finger, and then flick with your ring finger. This technique is called “the Swiss”. It’s not clear why it is called that, so please leave us a note in the comments if you do! This is my preferred technique as it allows you to spin with your ring finger, whilst stopping with your index finger. It just feels right.