Swing and Spike - Catch the Bell!

Swing and Spike -  Catch the Bell!  (a.k.a Balero / Coca / Bilboquet / Cup and Ball)

This traditional toy is the perfect excuse to step away from the screen and challenge friends and family!

It transforms simple physical motion into an addictive challenge!

The Challenge

The rules are simple, but the game is notoriously tricky to master. 

1. Let the bell hang down 
2. use a smooth flick of your arm and wrist to swing it into the air… 

3. …and spear the hole perfectly onto the tip of the handle!

    

How many can you do in a minute!? 

It is a test of hand-eye coordination that delivers a deeply satisfying feeling every time you land a perfect catch!

It feels too hard the first time you try it, but with a little bit of practice you can do it too!

Design Highlights

• Optimized Geometry:  Designed with a balanced bell and a slightly chamfered entry hole to make catching both forgiving and rewarding.
• Zero Hardware Needed: No complicated snap-fits or glue required - just a string! any string will do!
• The attached print profiles reinforce critical areas of the handle when printing it without supports (standing up)
• Print the handle and the bell in bright, contrasting spring colors to give it a vibrant look.

Recommended Print Settings

Use the attached Print Profiles, it takes care of the settings for you!

I tried to find a balance between strength, filament use and nice finish, so I decided to print the handle without supports, standing up; even if it is not the ideal print orientation. I tested several prints and did not have problems.

If you want to handle the toy a bit “rougher” or have a child that breaks bedrock somehow, let me know in the comments and I can upload a profile optimized for strength sacrificing a bit the smooth finish.  “Tested with PLA 😜”.

Quick Assembly Instructions

1. Find a piece of string, nylon cord, or a thin shoelace, anything that fits the bell hole will do!
2. Attach the Handle: Tie one end of the string to the upper part of the handle (see the images). Make a sturdy knot.
3. Attach the Bell: Pass the other end of the string through the top hole on the bell. Tie several thick knots to lock it in place, really do as many as you can untill you have a big knot. Make sure it stays in place by test-pulling the string
4. Play: Let it hang, focus your eyes, give it a swing, and catch it if you can!!

Length of the string: Although there is not right or wrong here, I recommend to start with a slightly longer string and shorten it as you feel more comfortable. Too long or too short could make it more difficult to catch.

Basic tricks 

Watch this short video to see some basic tricks to learn. (You can mute the sound, it is all visual)

Have fun!

Remember, this toy can be a bit hard to master, but the feeling when you start catching is very rewarding! Print several and challenge your friends!