Are you new to hooping?
Learning new tricks can be difficult, but there are things that can help. Slowing the hoop can make just about anything easier. There are a couple ways to do this. The easiest is to use a larger hoop. The larger the hoop, the slower it naturally moves. I often use a 46-inch groove hoop when practicing moves that are difficult. Once it feels comfortable, switch back to your regular hoop. If you don't have a large hoop available, turning with the hoop will also slow the movement of the hoop on your body.
For hand hooping tricks, a small hoop can help the learning process. A small, light hoop can be moved slowly through the trick allowing you to concentrate on hand placement. This was especially helpful to me while learning the helicopter hand pass.
Bruises. You will get them in the beginning. Once your body becomes more accustomed to the weight of the hoop, and you start to move more smoothly in it, the bruising will stop.
Grip is very important. Bare skin provides the best grip. If you need to cover up, natural fibers are the way to go. Cotton is your friend.
Getting in the flow makes all the difference. It can be frustrating when trying to learn a new trick. Turn your favorite music up loud and lose yourself in it. You'll be amazed at the things you can do when you aren't thinking so hard about it.
Don't get caught up in frustration. If you just can't get a new trick down, walk away from it for a while. Come back the next day and you may be surprised at how much easier it is.
Don't forget to have fun!
For questions about choosing the right hoop, check out the FAQs.