Working on the

"Push-Pull" Finger Technique

In my online Shuffles course, I mention that the "Push-Pull" Finger Technique is the most efficient way I know of to develop speed and control over your shuffle.

That said, the "Push-Pull" technique can be a bit tricky to master, so to help you out as you work through it, I've posted a clip from a one-on-one coaching session with Alex (who is based in Moscow). Note that I'm in the INSET window and Alex is in the main window.

Here's an overview of the specific technique issues that Alex and I focus on. Perhaps you are experiencing some of these issues as you practice this technique:

Issue #1: On the "Push," the index finger stays "wrapped" around the stick, while the back fingers are coming off the stick.
This creates an imbalance in the grip, which will prevent the stick from moving fluidly through the motion. Solution: Keep all four fingers together and straight when the stick rebounds on the "Push." Focus on feeling the pinky stay in contact with the stick at all times. Let the power of the "snap up" on the pull come from all four fingers. Let the four fingers work as one unit, rather than as four separate elements.

Issue #2: On the "Pull," the wrist bends down, preventing the stick from coming all the way back up. This "downward bend" adds unwanted tension to the motion and stops the stick from having a "legato" flow. Solution: Go back and try the motion WITHOUT the stick ("Throw the Dice/Grab the Cash"). Watch the wrist and notice how it naturally moves with the rest of arm on the Pull. When you pick up the stick again, replicate this "natural" wrist motion on the way up.

As a private teacher, I've been working with students online for nearly a decade. I typically see 40-50 students per month, who Skype in from over 20 countries on five continents. If you're interested in working with me privately, I invite you to click the button below for more information.

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