Crossword Genius

Spinner's round pitch, backing up (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

diabolo

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'spinner's round pitch backing up' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'spinner's round pitch backing up' is the wordplay.
'spinner's round' becomes 'o' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'pitch' becomes 'lob' (both can mean to throw).
'backing' becomes 'aid' (I've seen this in another clue).
'up' is a reversal indicator (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'o'+'lob'+'aid'='olobaid'
'olobaid' back-to-front is 'DIABOLO'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for diabolo that I've seen before include "Old game" , "Devilish" , "Game involving sticks and spinning top" , "juggling performance?" , "Top-on-a-string game" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.