2-D/3-D Handball - Frame-by-Frame Stop Motion: The Guide to Non-Traditional Animation Techniques - page 171

As the animated subject sits at the table across from the camera, place the
hands of the subject together.
ExErcisE Fig 3.D The opening
position for the exercise (hands
together) from the camera's
POV.
You open the hands to about 15 inches apart from each other in seven moves
and reveal the ball cards between the hands. You need to have one card that
is only 2 inches wide as an in-between to reveal the cards. This exercise should
be shot at 15 frames per second.
You should always start with a ten-frame hold then slightly part your hands (a
quarter to half inch) for an ease-in for the first move. The hands should move
apart more on the next frame, allowing the animator to put the 2-inch-wide
card between the hands.
ExErcisE Fig 3.E A shot of the
hands starting to ease in to their
movement apart with a 2-inch
card between the hands.
On the third frame, move the hands apart so you can place the first full
4-inch ball cycle card between them and start the replacement ball/card
cycle going frame right. Continue to move your hands apart to complete the
seven-move sequence until they are about 15 inches from each other. Make
sure to ease out from the movement. Each card should be attached to the
small support stand that sits behind the card to hold it upright and should
be replaced every frame. The cards and hidden stand should be shifted frame
right for each replacement until the card comes up against the frame-right
hand. That hand should slightly anticipate the ball's arrival by slight shifting