Last updated: May 15, 2026
The Forward Vertical Figure 8 is the next direction to learn after the Backward Vertical Figure 8. It uses the same figure 8 path, but the star rotates the opposite way.
This tutorial helps you build control in both directions so your beginner flow does not feel one-sided. Take it slow, keep the path clean, and let the forward direction build naturally.
How Do You Do a Forward Vertical Figure 8?
Start with the Flow Star spinning vertically beside your body. For the forward direction, the top of the star moves away from you. Guide the star across your center line, loop it on the opposite side, then return to your starting side to complete the figure 8 shape.
Forward Figure 8 Video Tutorial
Watch the forward rotation closely. The top of the star moves away from you, but the hand path still crosses your center line to draw the figure 8.
What to Watch For
Forward direction: The top of the star moves away from your body as it spins.
Same figure 8 path: The hand path is similar to the backward version, but the rotation direction changes.
Small wrist push: Forward spins often need a clean wrist push instead of a big arm swing.
Plane control: Keep the star vertical so it does not drift out and away from your body.
Forward Figure 8 Steps
Hold the Flow Star beside your body and let it spin vertically. In the forward direction, the top of the star moves away from you.
Forward spins can drift outward. Keep your elbow relaxed and guide the star through a clean vertical path instead of letting it fly away from your body.
As the star moves up, guide your hand across the front of your body toward the opposite side. Keep the forward rotation going as your hand crosses over.
Let the star finish the loop on the opposite side, then bring your hand back to the starting side. The goal is a smooth figure 8, not a fast one.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Forward Figure 8s can feel harder at first because the movement pushes away from your body. Slow it down and clean up the path before adding speed.
If the star keeps moving away from you, pull the path slightly closer and keep the vertical plane cleaner.
The forward direction needs wrist control, not a huge arm motion. Keep the movement smaller and more efficient.
If you hurry the crossover, the shape gets messy. Let each side of the 8 finish before returning.
If it turns into a backward spin, reset and focus on the top of the star moving away from you.
One-Song Practice Drill
Practice Direction Before Speed
Put on one song and practice slow forward Figure 8s. Focus on the star moving away from you at the top of the spin, then cross the center line without rushing the loop.
Practice the forward vertical spin beside your body and feel the top moving away from you.
Cross your hand slowly over your center line while keeping the forward rotation.
Focus on keeping the star from drifting outward or tilting off-plane.
Switch between backward and forward Figure 8s so both directions start to feel natural.
Forward Vertical Figure 8 FAQ
A Forward 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 forward direction, the top of the star moves away from you.
Forward can feel harder because the spin pushes away from your body, which can make the star drift outward. Slow down, keep the vertical plane close, and use a controlled wrist push instead of a big arm swing.
Many beginners learn the Backward Vertical Figure 8 first because it often feels more natural. Once that direction starts clicking, the Forward Vertical Figure 8 helps balance your control.
This usually happens when the plane opens up or the arm swing gets too big. Keep the star closer to your body, relax your elbow, and focus on a cleaner vertical path.
After the Forward Vertical Figure 8, try the Vertical 8 Hand Pass so you can start transferring the Flow Star between hands.
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.
