Balance a Spin Top in Your Hand

If you were balancing a baseball bat upright in your hand, you would move your hand in the direction it is leaning to balance it. For a top, do the opposite. Move your hand in the direction the tip is pointing, which is the opposite of the way it is leaning. Since the top precesses (leans in a circular motion), the ideal corrective movement is somewhat circular, but for now wait for the tip to be pointed the same direction as your thumb, and then move your hand in the direction your thumb is pointing and the top will straighten up.