Stalls

Technique

A stall is a deliberate stop of the prop's momentum at a specific point in its path, followed by a redirection. The hand moves to match the prop's speed and direction at the exact moment of the stall, canceling momentum.

Types

  • Top stall — stopping the poi at the top of its arc
  • Bottom stall — catching at the lowest point
  • Pendulum — stopping and reversing direction, creating a pendulum swing

How to learn

  1. Start with the bottom stall — let the poi swing down and drop your hand at the same speed
  2. The poi should hang motionless for a moment
  3. Then redirect into a new spin direction
  4. Precise timing and geometry understanding are key

Applies to

Poi (primary), contact staff, fans, rope dart.