Juggling
Juggling is the art of keeping multiple objects in the air through a pattern of throwing and catching. The 3-ball cascade is the foundation of all juggling and an achievable skill for anyone willing to practice. It's portable, meditative, and builds hand-eye coordination while impressing friends.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●3 tennis balls, oranges, or any round objects of similar size($0)
Optional
- ○
How To Do It
- 1
Master one-ball throws
Hold one ball and practice throwing it in a gentle arc from one hand to the other. The ball should at eye level. Keep your elbows at your sides and catch the ball at waist height without moving your feet. Practice until this feels effortless from both hands.
- 2
Learn the two-ball exchange
Hold one ball in each hand. Throw the first ball in an arc. When it reaches its , throw the second ball underneath it to the opposite hand. Catch both balls. This '' is the core rhythm of juggling. Practice starting from both hands.
- 3
Add the third ball
Hold two balls in your dominant hand, one in your non-dominant hand. Start with your dominant hand: throw, , throw. You're doing a ''—three throws and three catches. Don't try to keep going yet. Just stop, reset, and repeat until consistent.
- 4
Extend the pattern
Once you can reliably, add one more throw at a time. Go from 3 throws to 4, then 5, then 6. Focus on consistent throw height and rhythm. When you hit 6-7 throws, you're ready to try continuous juggling.
- 5
Practice consistently
Practice 15-20 minutes daily rather than long sessions. Stand over a bed or couch to reduce bending for dropped balls. Count your consecutive catches and celebrate small improvements. Most people achieve a sustained within a few days to two weeks of regular practice.
Tips
- →Common mistake: throwing balls too far forward and walking to chase them. Focus on throwing straight up and slightly inward. Practice facing a wall to prevent forward drift.
- →Focus on your throws, not your catches. If the throws are consistent and accurate, the catches will happen naturally.
- →Keep your eyes fixed on the of the throws, not on your hands. Use peripheral vision to track the balls.
- →Relax your shoulders and breathe. Tension causes erratic throws. Juggling should feel smooth, not frantic.
- →Beanbag-style balls are easier for beginners because they don't roll away or bounce when dropped.
Communities
Resources
- Library of Juggling
Comprehensive reference with animated GIFs showing the 3-ball cascade and progression to other tricks.
- Taylor Tries YouTube Channel
Over 4.5 million views on juggling tutorials with troubleshooting sections for common problems.
- Juggling World - 3 Ball Tricks
Extensive collection of 3-ball tricks to learn after mastering the cascade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn 3-ball juggling?
Most people can achieve a basic (10+ catches) within a few hours to a few days of practice. Sustaining it for minutes without drops typically takes 1-2 weeks of daily 15-20 minute sessions.
What balls should I use to learn?
Any three similar-sized round objects work: tennis balls, oranges, or rolled-up socks. Beanbag-style juggling balls ($10-15 for a set) are ideal because they don't bounce or roll away when dropped.
Why do I keep throwing balls forward and chasing them?
This is the most common beginner problem. Your natural instinct is to throw away from your body. Practice facing a wall at arm's length—it forces you to throw straight up.
Should I start with juggling scarves instead of balls?
Scarves float slowly and can help with timing, but many instructors now recommend starting directly with balls. The muscle memory you build with scarves doesn't fully transfer to balls.
Can I learn to juggle if I'm uncoordinated?
Yes! Juggling instructors consistently report that self-described 'uncoordinated' people learn just as well as anyone else. Coordination improves with practice—that's the whole point.
What trick should I learn after the cascade?
The 'reverse ' (throwing over instead of under) or 'columns' (two balls in one hand, one in the other) are natural next steps. The 'half-shower' is also popular for beginners.