I have tried to lap effectively for years. and nearly always a couple of things happen: (1) the top of my thighs are never parallel to the ground making me fearful that the lapped item will roll off or (2) the coin lands somewhere in the folds of my trousers or in the crouch and it looks like I'm adjusting my junk (to coin a teenager's phrase) if I have to retrieve it. If I try to elevate my thighs by raising my heels to tiptoe position and squeeze my legs together I just have this funny feeling I Iook like I've got to use the bathroom, a kind of 'pursed' rather upright expression.

Any hints? I don't want to only perform on tables with tablecloths or carry a hankerchief to place on my lap. I don't want to aim for the top of the thigh. Surely there are tricks of the trade? Splay out one's legs? Cross at the ankles?

Thanks!

CMNeff, you have just answered your own question...just keep working at it and get rid of your guilt!

Mike

I find putting the legs together painful.

See a doctor Gary!

When I don't use a tablecloth, I just cross my legs. The coins naturally falls at the same place all the time. Just putting the legs together as Gary suggests doesn't really work 100%, the coin sometimes happens to find its way between them . And to avoid this you have to really put a muscular effort to keep your legs tight, which causes two things: first you forget about the magic and think of your legs , and second you end up with painful cramps isn't it so Gary ?

Hope that helps

Phedon

This can be a real problem. People are different and giving advice may not help. My legs for instance, are constructed so that no matter how much I squeeze them together, there is a huge long gap in between them. And if I cross them, one is much higher than the other and round on top so I create a perfect sideways slope for a coin to roll down.

For me I think the only solution is a sweater/tablecloth/napkin.

Yes, try to have a silk or napkin with you and you can do the copper silver routines with a napkin. If not using that then can be used to lap.

For younger guys, we uses baggy pants which works the opposite, open the legs will lap better. It is just natural for men.

Phedon, I don't know why but I cross legs makes me cramp too lol

"The table and chair must be suitable and the performer must be comfortably seated at the table in an erect position, and the body must be approximately 8" to 10" away from the edge of the table. In sitting down, a fold of cloth of one trouser leg is pulled to overlap the other leg to form a little pocket, or gutter, in which objects may be caught by the material. This must be done unobserved. Crossing the feet at the ankles so that the knees are in contact without any undue strain or effort may help considerably Another practical method is the secret introduction of a handkerchief or napkin in the lap. If a tablecloth is available, part of the tablecloth thrown over the lap will do admirably as a servante. Thus prepared, the performer must be completely relaxed and assume a carefree and confident manner. A great help to performers of short stature is to have only the tips of the shoes rest on the floor"
-Tony Slydini in "The Art of Using the Lap as a Servante"

Hay cmneff,
I would be happy to work with you on it when we get togeter To write up those routines for the UWC. In fact One of Slydini's Best Student's Lives In Denver! And He showed me all I know about Lapping! He does not perform any more,
but the May 8 mile high Magicions Meeting will be to honor him. I will do someing lapping stuff. We will Watch some Slydini tapes.And Tony ( yea he has the same frist name ! ) Will tell some Slydini storys! Should be good! And if you have Any of the Slydini books you should look trou there!

I agree with David Neighbors, and DStachowiak, Study the Slydini books everything you wanted to know about lapping is there.

Randy

Ya know, that premise of a magician who flinches when lapping might play well for a magician audience - especially when using a servante or similar

Lapping is a problem for me too. Short legs.
I have to put my feet on tiptoes to get a level height.
Very uncomfprtable. Best bet is like others have said about a bandana or handkerchief. Baggy pants help too.

Jon,
I can see it now:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, fresh from the hernia ward at St. Vickie Hospital..."

Doing a version of Paul Gertner's Cups and Balls, no doubt.

I think this is actually one benefit of my terrible posture, A large slouch gives a nice large lap area. Slouching also has the benefit of being comfortable and making one seem rather bohemian.