Flow Star Tutorial: Phase 1 Beginner Tricks

Beginner flow star trick tutorial at a summer music festival. Female raver practicing flow arts with a green star prop under a "Flow Star Boot Camp" banner during sunset.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Beginner Flow Star Tricks • Phase 1 Tutorials

Use this Phase 1 guide as your beginner Flow Star tricks roadmap, whether you search it as Flow Star or flowstar. If you are ready to move past the first spin, start here with the first moves that teach control, direction changes, hand passes, and smoother movement.

Each beginner flowstar tutorial includes the video, what the trick teaches, the common mistake to watch for, and a link to the full step-by-step tutorial when you want a deeper breakdown.

THE SHORT VERSION

What Flow Star Tricks Should Beginners Learn First?

Start with the Pizza Toss, then move into the Backward Vertical Figure 8, Forward Vertical Figure 8, Vertical 8 Hand Pass, and Horizontal Figure 8. Together, these beginner Flow Star tricks teach spin control, direction changes, hand transfers, and cleaner movement paths. If you are brand new to flowstar practice, learn them in this order.

Before You Learn Beginner Flow Star Tricks

Phase 1 works best once you can get a basic Pizza Toss going. It does not need to be perfect, but you should understand the launch, lightbulb flick, catch, and reset before stacking more Flow Star tricks on top.

Brand New?

Start with the Pizza Toss tutorial first. This page will make way more sense once the first spin starts clicking.

Learn Pizza Toss
Star Keeps Folding?

Fix your spin speed, release angle, and catch timing before adding more tricks.

Fix Folding
Wrist Feeling Tight?

Warm up first and keep the first few sessions short. Beginner tricks get easier when your hand is relaxed.

Warm-Up Guide
Already Got the First Spin?

You are in the right place. Work through these moves in order, but do not rush the full list in one session.

Start Phase 1

Beginner Flow Star Tricks: Phase 1 Tutorials

01. Pizza Toss

The Pizza Toss is the first Flow Star move to learn. It teaches the server tray setup, lightbulb flick, catch, and reset that almost every beginner Flow Star trick builds from.

TeachesSpin, catch, reset
Common MistakeThrowing too high before the spin is clean
Open Pizza Toss Tutorial →

02. Backward Vertical Figure 8

The Backward Vertical Figure 8 is usually the first Figure 8 pattern to practice after the Pizza Toss. It helps you understand the vertical path, rhythm, and arm movement that make Flow Star tricks feel less choppy.

TeachesVertical path control
Common MistakeRushing the loop before the shape is clear
Open Backward Figure 8 Tutorial →

03. Forward Vertical Figure 8

Once the backward Figure 8 starts feeling smoother, reverse the direction. The Forward Vertical Figure 8 builds control on the other side so you are not stuck moving one way.

TeachesDirection control
Common MistakeLetting the star drift away from the body
Open Forward Figure 8 Tutorial →

04. Vertical 8 Hand Pass

The Vertical 8 Hand Pass brings your second hand into the flow. This is where beginner practice starts feeling more connected because you can transfer the star instead of stopping when one hand gets tired.

TeachesHand transfers
Common MistakeGrabbing instead of guiding the pass
Open Vertical Hand Pass Tutorial →

05. Horizontal Figure 8

The Horizontal Figure 8 changes the plane of your movement. It helps you practice flatter control and makes your beginner flow feel more dynamic without jumping into advanced tricks yet.

TeachesHorizontal plane control
Common MistakeLetting one side dip instead of staying level
Open Horizontal Figure 8 Tutorial →

Beginner Practice Plan

KEEP IT SIMPLE

One Short Session Is Enough

Do not try to master every beginner trick in one sitting. Pick one or two moves, practice for one song or 10 minutes, and stop while it still feels fun enough to come back tomorrow.

Practice Time Focus Goal
2 Minutes Pizza Toss Relaxed wrist, clean spin, soft catch
4 Minutes Vertical Figure 8s Smoother arm path and cleaner direction changes
2 Minutes Hand Pass Controlled transfers without grabbing
2 Minutes Free Flow Link moves without worrying about perfection

Beginner Flow Star Tricks FAQ

What Flow Star trick should I learn after the Pizza Toss?

After the Pizza Toss, move into the Backward Vertical Figure 8. It helps build the first real movement pattern and makes the rest of the Phase 1 tricks easier to understand.

Should I learn the backward or forward Figure 8 first?

Start with whichever direction feels more natural, but many beginners find the backward Vertical Figure 8 easier to understand first. Once one direction clicks, practice the other direction so your flow does not feel one-sided.

How long should I practice each beginner trick?

Short sessions work best. Practice one move for a few minutes at a time, then switch or take a break. Clean, repeatable reps help more than forcing a long session while frustrated.

What should I do if my Flow Star keeps folding?

If your Flow Star keeps folding or tacoing, go back to the Pizza Toss and focus on cleaner spin before adding more tricks. The Flow Star folding guide breaks down the most common fixes.

Is this a good beginner flowstar tutorial roadmap?

Yes. This Phase 1 roadmap is built for beginners who want to learn Flow Star tricks in a logical order. Start with the Pizza Toss, then use the beginner tutorials for Figure 8s, hand passes, and smoother control before moving into intermediate tricks.

Need a Flow Star before you start?

Keep scrolling to browse Flow Star collections below. If you are buying your first one, a Regular Flow Star is usually the easiest place to begin.

Flow Star FAQs

What is a Flow Star?

A Flow Star is the fastest growing flow prop, loved for its hypnotic beauty and accessibility. Designed for flow arts — a style of movement that blends rhythm, play, and creative expression — it’s a soft, fabric flow toy that can be tossed, caught, spun, and woven through the air in smooth patterns. Flow Stars are popular around the world and have roots in ancient Chinese handkerchief spinning. They were popularized in Spain in the 2010s and haven’t stopped spreading ever since!

Which Flow Star size is right for me?

The Regular Flow Star (25.5") is our go-to everyday size. Designed to work for any skill level, it offers the perfect balance of hang time, control, and versatility for learning tricks or refining your flow.

Lightweight and ultra-responsive, the 20" Mini Flow Stars are built for doubles, tricks, and fast-paced spins. They’re ideal for intermediate and advanced flowmies who love precision and speed.

For a show-stopping performance, the 48" Mega Kaiju Flow Star offers massive visual impact and a serious full-body workout—it is not for the faint of heart.

How do I get started as a beginner?

Mastering the Flow Star is all about rhythm and timing. To help you nail the basics, we’ve created a specialized guide for newcomers. Check out our [Bootcamp Basics Blog] for a step-by-step breakdown of fundamental Flow Star movements and expert tips to help you transition from your first toss to seamless transitions.

FLOW STAR BOOTCAMP

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