Dribble Pass by Reid Ferry

Effect

The Dribble Pass is a card control that looks like a casual dribble of cards from one hand to the other. To the audience, it appears as if the magician is simply letting cards fall in a natural way. The secret move happens under the cover of the dribbling motion, making it an effective way to control a card without drawing suspicion.

Full details

The Dribble Pass is a deceptive sleight that disguises a card control as an ordinary dribble. The magician holds a packet of cards and lets them fall one by one into the other hand. During this action, a secret pass is executed, allowing the magician to control a selected card or maintain the order of the deck. The move relies on rhythm, timing, and natural hand motion rather than speed.

Key elements include:

• Natural dribble action – The dribble must look casual and unforced.
• Finger positioning – Proper finger placement ensures the pass remains hidden.
• Angle management – The move must work under real-world performance conditions.
• Misdirection – The falling cards provide visual cover for the sleight.

Who should consider the trick

The Dribble Pass is useful for magicians who want a subtle way to control cards without obvious moves. It works well in routines where a traditional pass might look too suspicious. Beginners can learn it with practice, and experienced performers can refine their technique for maximum deception.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Dribble Pass is not overly difficult but requires practice to perfect. The key challenge is making the dribble look natural while executing the pass smoothly. Reid Ferry suggests practicing the dribble separately before adding the pass. Once mastered, it becomes a reliable and deceptive tool in card magic.

What magicians say

Reid Ferry emphasizes that the Dribble Pass is about rhythm and misdirection rather than speed. He states, "The move disguises the control as a casual dribble of cards, making it ideal for situations where a traditional pass might look too suspicious." His tutorial breaks down finger positioning and timing to ensure the move remains invisible. Ferry also recommends integrating the Dribble Pass into routines where a dribble fits naturally, such as during a false shuffle or card revelation.

This sleight is praised for its deceptive simplicity, making it a valuable addition to any card magician's repertoire.