Rank 三 · Intermediate

Behind the Back

Toss over your shoulder and catch on the far side.

Difficulty Rung 6 of 6 on the Intermediate ladder
Watch tutorialsSearch YouTube for “kendama behind the back tutorial”

The ball travels over your shoulder and behind you; the ken follows and catches it coming around. A body-feel trick — shoulders and spine do more work than the wrist.

How it's done

  1. 一

    Stand with your back angled toward the landing zone.

  2. 二

    Toss the tama over your shoulder and follow it with your eyes.

  3. 三

    Swing the ken around behind your back.

  4. 四

    Catch on the big cup as the ball comes down in front.