Crystal Stix consist of a baton and two controllers called hand stix. Using one or two hand stix, the person twirls the baton performing many different tricks.

To hold the hand stix, drop your right arm to your side. This is your most natural, relaxed position. Gently point your index finger, keeping it slightly bent. Raise your right hand and arm and make circular motions both clock-wise and counter clockwise. Switch to your other hand and do the same. Do not bend your wrist. Now, use both hands. remember to keep a relaxed position. We'll begin with moving your hands in opposite directions. This movement is called contrary motion. Now reverse your hands. If you move your hands in the same direction, it's called parallel motion. Now reverse the motion.

Place your hand stix into your hands and try all the moves listed above.

Another movement frequently used is the up and down motion called "the bounce". Lay the baton on the ground. Pick it up using both hand stix. Gently bounce the baton on the hand stix. Your goal is to keep the baton parallel to the ground. Bounce the baton several times. Each time, try bouncing a little higher while keeping the baton parallel to the ground.

Once you have control of the baton, try flipping the baton 180 degrees. This would be a half of a circle. To do this, as you are bouncing the baton, add more pressure on your right arm and gently flip the baton. Try to flip 5-10 times without dropping the baton. You may add a bounce between each flip. The added bounce helps you to return the baton to its parallel position to the ground.

If you drop the baton, just pick it up and try again. Everyone drops the baton many times. With practice, though, you will drop it less and less. The important thing to remember is to have fun.

Once you are comfortable flipping with your right arm, flip with your left arm. Again, try flipping it 5-10 times without dropping the baton.

The next move is to flip the baton without bouncing between each flip. Begin with your right arm. Flip 5-10 times. Now flip with your left arm.

When you've accomplished this trick, flip the baton a full circle or 360 degrees. Again, switch hands. Now, each time you practice, flip the baton faster to create a one and a half turns or two full turns. When you are feeling confident, also turn your body one full turn and catch the baton. Add first, it might be easier to flip a flat baton.

Create a "vee" with your arms. Place your elbows about six inches from your sides. With the outer tips of the hand stix, hold the baton a few inches down from the end piece at belt level.

Gently toss the baton into the air and to one side. Catch the upper end of the baton with the top third of one of the hand stix.

If this move is difficult, place one tip of the baton on the ground and use the directions above. Your arms will be closer together. The baton will look like a pendulum.

When you are comfortable with the tic-toc motion, lift one knee about waist level and pass the baton under your leg. Then try the other leg.

You can also create a continuous motion by alternating the passing motion under your legs.

Begin by creating higher tic-tocs. Now, push the baton enough to cause it to spin over bottoms up. Flip it back to the other hand in the same way -- back and forth, reversing the "up end" each time.

The helicopter is a tic-toc motion with a spin. While doing the tic-toc, pull a little with one hand and push a little with the other hand as you toss it back and forth. This creates a funnel spin with the baton. Also, try spinning it the other way.

Using only one hand stick, flip the baton half way over and catch it with the SAME hand stick. Then flip it back the other way -- half way catching with the same hand stick. You have to stay in constant motion to keep this one going. It seems difficult at first, but it will build up the strength in each individual arm and get you ready for doubles.

Beginning with the tic-toc, catch the main baton just below its center making a scooping "J". When done quickly, it feels like a sideways stirring scoop. After some practice, the main baton never leaves the hand stick. This move relies on muscle power not magnets (a common comment of this magical looking move).