Weaves, windmills, and corkscrews are all poi moves which are based on split-time ?same direction? spinning. These three moves are basically the same, except they are in different planes. If you imagine yourself in a box, there is a plane on your right side, one on your left side, one above you, one below you, one behind you, and one in front of you. Weaves are on the left and right planes while windmills are on the front and back planes. Corkscrew is above and below, but sometimes you will need to move your body to avoid the poi.

Split-time : having the poi at opposite sides at any given time. Generally used whenever the poi are following each other.

How To: Weaves

Weaves are done by holding the poi out to the side at rest position. You should have your poi hanging straight down about six inches or so away from either side of your body. To begin, swing your right poi counter-clockwise (backward) and then cross it over your body after it reaches the top of its path. Continue to let your right poi go past your left poi, but make sure that it takes a path not between your body and your left poi. Once your right poi reaches the top of its left circle, begin swinging your left poi clockwise (forward). Now, both poi should be on your left side, and they should be on opposite ends so that if you connected the strings, the long string would form a straight line. When the left poi reaches the top of its circle, you should cross it over to your right side. It should begin making a circle on your right side. At the same time, make sure that your right poi follows the left one. Let your left poi make an entire circle. At this point, your arms should be crossed, and you should cross your right poi over to your left side. Have your left poi follow the right poi to continue the weave. Continue this motion, and you have done a weave.

Windmills
Windmills are somewhat related to weaves. To do a windmill, hold both poi above your head so that both hang in front of you. To begin, spin your left wrist clockwise so that your poi goes clockwise in front of you. When your left poi is directly above your head, spin your right wrist clockwise so that your right poi follows your left poi. When your left poi is about to go in front again, change its path slightly so that it goes behind your head instead of in front. Once again, have your right poi follow the left one so that they stay at separate ends of the circle. Your left poi should nearly do an entire circle. When it is above to go and draw the back circle again, move your left hand so that it goes in front instead of behind. Now, you are at the beginning of the windmill, so keep the momentum going, and you will be doing windmills.

Corkscrews

Corkscrews are closely related to windmills. When attempting corkscrews, make sure your strings are relatively short since you don?t want to be hit by the strings. You should end up doing a basic figure eight?s hand motion while keeping the poi on opposite ends of the circle. To begin, hold both poi in front of you. You should rotate your right wrist clockwise and have your right poi create a circle above your hands (and possibly forearms). When the right poi is facing you, start rotating your left wrist so that your left poi follows the right poi. When the right poi is facing away from you, move it so that it goes under your hands, and have your left poi follow this path. Shortly afterwards, you should see your poi close to the starting position.

Common Problems
Weaves - While doing weaves, you will often find that the poi will hit your sides. Start out doing weaves slowly then speed up gradually. This ensures that you have few mistakes.
Windmills - Similar to weaves, your poi may hit your head or shoulders. To remedy this painful problem, tilt your axis so that your poi swing in more of an x (if you look at it from the side).
Corkscrews - There are two problems with corkscrews. You may find that your strings are too long and will hit your body. This requires a little bit of change in method. When your poi are on the top half of the corkscrew, move your plane so that the poi spin above your head instead of at your torso height. When going beneath your hands, do a little jump back, or extend your arms out as far as possible. The second problem is fear. You may encounter this element while practicing. The only way to overcome this is practice and stay relaxed. However, make sure that you do take note of your personal safety and shorten your strings if needed.

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