Handmade Hoops by Peachysteve

Hooping On The Neck

Taken from Chapter 2 of
"Hooping"
An Instructional DVD by Peachysteve

Hooping on the neck is an essential hooping skill. As you move the hoop around your body it will often be around your neck.
Some people are afraid to hoop on the neck and that's reasonable.
You don't want to hurt your throat or spine so it's important to use a good technique.
When learning this move it helps to use the lightest hoop you can.

Start with the hoop against the back of your neck with your elbows bent.
Make sure the hoop is horizontal and not leaning downward.

Give a level even push with the hand you would usually use and let the hoop go round.
Try to feel the timing of the hoop.
When learning to hoop on the neck it's best to use a side to side motion rather than a backwards-forwards motion.
Then you are using the neck muscles to push with rather than the throat and spine

The side to side movement comes from shifting your weight from one foot to the other, keeping your shoulders level.

Don't try to power the hoop by spinning it around your neck or by leaning from side to side, keep your shoulders level.