Last updated: May 15, 2026
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The Backward Vertical Figure 8 is one of the first Flow Star tricks to learn after the Pizza Toss. It teaches the vertical path, rhythm, and hand movement that make beginner flow feel smoother.
This tutorial stays focused on the backward direction. Once this starts clicking, the Forward Vertical Figure 8 will feel much easier to understand.
Watch Tutorial See the Steps Next Figure 8How Do You Do a Backward Vertical Figure 8?
Start with the Flow Star spinning vertically beside your body. For the backward direction, the top of the star moves toward you. Guide the star across your center line, loop it on the opposite side, then bring it back to complete the figure 8 shape.
Backward Figure 8 Video Tutorial
Watch the center crossing closely. The move starts to feel smoother when your hand travels across your body without your shoulder tensing up.
What to Watch For
Backward direction: The top of the star moves toward you as it spins.
Center crossing: Your hand travels across your center line to draw the middle of the 8.
Relaxed shoulder: Keep your shoulder low so the motion stays smooth instead of stiff.
Steady rhythm: Slow down until the shape feels clean, then let the speed build naturally.
Backward Figure 8 Steps
Hold the Flow Star beside your body and let it spin vertically. Think of the star like a wheel next to you. For the backward direction, the top of the star moves toward your body.
As the star comes up, guide your hand across the front of your body toward the opposite side. Keep the motion relaxed instead of forcing the star across.
Let the star complete the loop on the opposite side of your body. The goal is a smooth rounded path, not a sharp corner.
Bring your hand back across your body and complete the second half of the 8. Keep the rhythm even so both sides of the pattern feel balanced.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Most Figure 8 problems come from rushing the shape or holding too much tension in your arm. Fix one thing at a time.
If your shoulder creeps up, the movement gets stiff fast. Drop your shoulder and keep the path relaxed.
If the 8 turns into a tiny wrist circle, slow down and make the path wider before speeding up.
Move your hand slightly away from your body and keep the vertical path cleaner.
If you cross too early, the star can wobble or lose the shape. Let each side of the 8 finish.
One-Song Practice Drill
Practice the Shape Before Speed
Put on one song and practice slow backward Figure 8s. Focus on drawing a clean shape with your hand before trying to make it fast. If the shape falls apart, reset and slow down.
Practice the vertical spin beside your body and feel the backward direction.
Cross your hand slowly over your center line without rushing the loop.
Try to make both sides of the 8 feel the same size and speed.
Add music and let the rhythm help the movement feel smoother.
Backward Vertical Figure 8 FAQ
A Backward Vertical Figure 8 is a beginner Flow Star trick where the star spins in a vertical path while your hand draws an 8 shape across the front of your body. In the backward direction, the top of the star moves toward you.
Many beginners find the backward direction easier to understand first, but either direction is fine. Once one direction clicks, practice the other so your flow does not feel one-sided.
It usually means the path is too close to your body or the vertical plane is drifting. Move your hand slightly away from your leg and slow the movement down until the path feels cleaner.
Choppy Figure 8s usually come from rushing the crossover or tightening your shoulder. Slow down, make the shape bigger, and keep your shoulder relaxed while the star moves through each side of the 8.
After the Backward Vertical Figure 8, try the Forward Vertical Figure 8 so you can build control in the opposite direction.
Need a Flow Star before you practice?
Keep scrolling to browse Flow Star collections below. A Regular Flow Star is usually the easiest place to practice beginner Figure 8s.
