To begin: MAKE SURE YOUR STIX ARE CLEAN. Wipe them with a damp paper towel. This is a good habit to get into, because the Stix grip much better with a clean surface. Even if you don't think they're dirty wipe them, THEY WILL PLAY BETTER! (some window cleaner will clean greasier dirt).

HOW TO STAND
Feet- Balanced - one under each shoulder.
Knees- Slightly bent - as if you are ready to take a step. Note, if you lock your knees when you move, you are out of balance.
Back- Keep it straight - bend only in relationship to movement.
Arms- Relaxed and ready to move freely - bending at the elbows.
Elbows- Mainly at your sides and slightly away from your body.
Wrists- Stiff and in line with pointing index finger.
Hands- Hold controller with index finger pointing along the controller.

STANCE SUMMARY

Your attitude in approaching the Stix will determine what you will get out of it and / or how easy it will be to master. AN ON YOUR TOES, READY FOR ACTION, GO FOR IT ATTITUDE IS THE BEST WAY TO GET GOING WITH STIX.

1. THE TIC-TOC
This is the beginning move. With the outer tips of the controllers, holding the baton a few inches down from the end piece at belt level, creating a Vee with your arms, elbows are bent and about six inches from your sides, creating a diamond with your arms and the controllers. Toss the baton into the air and to one side, catching the upper end of the baton with the top third of one of the controllers.
You can also view a simple Animation of the TIC-TOC

2. THE FLIP OVER
Beginning with the tic-toc, push the baton enough to cause it to spin over bottoms up. Now flip it over to the other hand in the same way -- back and forth, reversing the up end each time.

3. THE HELICOPTER
While doing the tic-toc, pull a little with the right hand and push a little with the left as you toss it back and forth. This creates a clockwise funnel spin with the baton. Kind of a wobble. Create a one-two, one-two rhythm with the motion.

4. ONE HANDED TIC-TOC
Using only one controller, flip the main baton half way over and catch it with the SAME controller. Then flip it back the other way -- half way catching with the same controller still. 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.

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

1. THE FLAT SPIN
Starting with a clockwise helicopter, reach to the center of the main baton with your controller and bounce it up and tug it to the right as you are bouncing it. It is a tapping motion -- the rhythm is the same as the rate of the spin.

2. DUEL HANDED STIX

Using ONLY ONE CONTROLLER, clasp both hands together and point both fingers (as in regular grip) along the controller. With the main baton horizontal on the ground in front of you, lift the baton from an off-center position off the ground -- flipping the end over and catching it on the other side (similar to a one handed tic-toc). This move requires extra energy on your part, but builds your strength for all the other Stix moves.

3. DOUBLE BATONS

Lay two batons horizontally in front of you on the ground. Holding a controller in each hand, reach down and place the controllers off center, toward the middle, under each baton and lift both at the same time in an outward flip, doing a one handed tic-toc with each hand. After this try spinning both batons either in the same or opposite directions. Persistence is the way to approach doubles. You will drop it a lot at first, but just like all the Stix moves the motions magically come to you after playing a lot. Doubles is the ultimate challenge and the ultimate fun.