How to Teach Juggling
Choose the right object., Start with one object., Focus on proper technique., Focus on consistency., Focus on form., Add the second ball., Practice., Switch hands., Add the third ball., Practice some more.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose the right object.
Using the right juggling ball makes all the difference when you're getting started.
Using a solid ball will frustrate the student because it will roll away when they drop.
Similarly, a ball that bounces can be mayhem for the beginner.
For this reason, choose a beanbag or beanball that will stay put when it is dropped.
Choose the weight carefully.
Anything over 8 ounces (226 g) will become really heavy after prolonged juggling.
Something that is too light will also be difficult to juggle.
It will help if the objects are brightly colored and contrast with themselves and the surroundings.
If you need lots of props for a larger class, see how to make balloon juggling bags, how to make juggling balls from tennis balls, and how to make your own juggling clubs. -
Step 2: Start with one object.
Your student might be disappointed by this since there's no fun in simply throwing an object from one hand to the other, but it will help to remind him or her that when juggling three balls, you are actually only throwing one ball at a time, while holding the other two. , The ball should pop off your student's hand rather than rolling off their fingertips.
Watch the ball as it flies from one hand to the other.
If it is spinning, your student is throwing incorrectly.
When juggling balls, they don't simply travel back and forth in the same arc.
They travel in a figure-8 pattern, with the hand carrying them from outside to inside.
If they traveled in the same arc, they would hit each other. , Still only using one ball, encourage your student to toss back and forth and to keep the ball on a plane in front of him or her.
Your student should not have to reach out or in to make a catch. , The hands should remain level, slightly above the beltline.
The elbows should be bent 90 degrees.
The throw should come from the forearm and not the wrist, so encourage your student to keep their wrists locked. , This is the most important step, as you will now be teaching the exchange.
This is the nearly simultaneous catch and throw that is at the foundation of juggling.
Have your student start with one ball in each hand.
Throw from the weak hand (left if right handed, right if left handed) and as the throw begins to come down toward the opposing hand, toss the second ball.
If done correctly, the hand motion for the throw should leave the palm in perfect position to catch the first ball.
The second throw should sweep under the first.
Most people already know how to catch.
Now is the time to work on getting the throw under control.
If someone is particularly timid about their ability to catch, especially as they begin to learn the exchange, encourage them to practice the throws while letting the balls drop to the ground.
Both balls should remain in the same plane.
The second ball should pass underneath the first. , At this point your student will be eager to move on and get to the three ball juggle, but you should encourage them to work on the two ball exchange until every throw is going to about the same height. , Juggling is an ambidextrous skill, so as soon as your student gets the exchange down with their strong hand, have them switch to the other hand.
Your student will still be using only two balls, but will make the first throw with their strong hand and the exchange with the weak hand. , Once the student is exchanging the ball well with both hands, they are ready to take the next step.
Pat your student on the back and tell them that they've already learned to juggle.
They might doubt that since they still haven't added the third ball yet, but the hardest part is over.
Have your student start with one ball in their weak hand and two in their strong hand.
Begin with a single throw from the strong hand and then make one exchange after the other. , There is no substitute for repetition.
This is where the skill of the teacher is really tested.
Most students will give up before they master this basic pattern, but with plenty of encouragement and corrective advice, you can make all the difference. -
Step 3: Focus on proper technique.
-
Step 4: Focus on consistency.
-
Step 5: Focus on form.
-
Step 6: Add the second ball.
-
Step 7: Practice.
-
Step 8: Switch hands.
-
Step 9: Add the third ball.
-
Step 10: Practice some more.
Detailed Guide
Using the right juggling ball makes all the difference when you're getting started.
Using a solid ball will frustrate the student because it will roll away when they drop.
Similarly, a ball that bounces can be mayhem for the beginner.
For this reason, choose a beanbag or beanball that will stay put when it is dropped.
Choose the weight carefully.
Anything over 8 ounces (226 g) will become really heavy after prolonged juggling.
Something that is too light will also be difficult to juggle.
It will help if the objects are brightly colored and contrast with themselves and the surroundings.
If you need lots of props for a larger class, see how to make balloon juggling bags, how to make juggling balls from tennis balls, and how to make your own juggling clubs.
Your student might be disappointed by this since there's no fun in simply throwing an object from one hand to the other, but it will help to remind him or her that when juggling three balls, you are actually only throwing one ball at a time, while holding the other two. , The ball should pop off your student's hand rather than rolling off their fingertips.
Watch the ball as it flies from one hand to the other.
If it is spinning, your student is throwing incorrectly.
When juggling balls, they don't simply travel back and forth in the same arc.
They travel in a figure-8 pattern, with the hand carrying them from outside to inside.
If they traveled in the same arc, they would hit each other. , Still only using one ball, encourage your student to toss back and forth and to keep the ball on a plane in front of him or her.
Your student should not have to reach out or in to make a catch. , The hands should remain level, slightly above the beltline.
The elbows should be bent 90 degrees.
The throw should come from the forearm and not the wrist, so encourage your student to keep their wrists locked. , This is the most important step, as you will now be teaching the exchange.
This is the nearly simultaneous catch and throw that is at the foundation of juggling.
Have your student start with one ball in each hand.
Throw from the weak hand (left if right handed, right if left handed) and as the throw begins to come down toward the opposing hand, toss the second ball.
If done correctly, the hand motion for the throw should leave the palm in perfect position to catch the first ball.
The second throw should sweep under the first.
Most people already know how to catch.
Now is the time to work on getting the throw under control.
If someone is particularly timid about their ability to catch, especially as they begin to learn the exchange, encourage them to practice the throws while letting the balls drop to the ground.
Both balls should remain in the same plane.
The second ball should pass underneath the first. , At this point your student will be eager to move on and get to the three ball juggle, but you should encourage them to work on the two ball exchange until every throw is going to about the same height. , Juggling is an ambidextrous skill, so as soon as your student gets the exchange down with their strong hand, have them switch to the other hand.
Your student will still be using only two balls, but will make the first throw with their strong hand and the exchange with the weak hand. , Once the student is exchanging the ball well with both hands, they are ready to take the next step.
Pat your student on the back and tell them that they've already learned to juggle.
They might doubt that since they still haven't added the third ball yet, but the hardest part is over.
Have your student start with one ball in their weak hand and two in their strong hand.
Begin with a single throw from the strong hand and then make one exchange after the other. , There is no substitute for repetition.
This is where the skill of the teacher is really tested.
Most students will give up before they master this basic pattern, but with plenty of encouragement and corrective advice, you can make all the difference.
About the Author
Larry Chapman
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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