Learning to Juggle
| Published: 13th February 2008 08:39 |
You might be an expert at juggling your busy life, but are you as good at juggling a couple of balls? Just think of the money you would save at your children's parties. If your busy life gets the better of you, at least you would have the option of running away to the circus.
Juggling is a skill that has been around for thousands of years. According to Karl-Heinz Zeithen's book 4,000 Years of Juggling, the first documentation of juggling is illustrated in paintings on Egyptian tombs. Juggling was also a valued source of entertainment among the emperors of ancient Rome.
Learning to juggle is like learning to ride a bike, but without the scraped knees. Once you get the hang of a couple of balls, who knows, you might end up contending with the world's greatest jugglers. Albert Lucas holds the record for juggling 13 rings, and Anthony Gatto holds the record for juggling seven clubs.
However three should be more than enough to impress the children of your friends down the pub.
Learning to juggle
You will need three even-sized balls. Any sort of round objects will do the trick, as long as they fit into your hand and are of equal size and weight.
The throw
Pick up one ball and throw it back and forth between your left hand and your right hand. It should roughly reach your eye level and form an even arc. Remember to keep your hands in the same positions so you can catch without reaching for the ball.
The exchange
Pick-up the second ball. The aim is to repeat the first step with both balls but at staggered intervals. Begin by throwing ball number one. When the ball reaches its peak and starts its descent, throw the second ball just inside the arc of the first using same technique.
You should find that the balls land in your hands one after the other and that they have exchanged places. Repeat this process until you get a rhythm with good timing, even height and steady balance.
The double-exchange
This is where it gets tough. Pick up all three juggling balls. Place two in one hand and one in the other. Starting with the hand that holds two balls throw one of theses balls in an eye level arc, as described in step one, as the ball reaches its peak, begin step two. As the second ball reaches its peak, perform an exchange with the third ball. Finish by catching the third ball leaving two balls in one hand and one in the other once more.
Things to remember
Learning to juggle may be frustrating, but quickly becomes relaxing once you learn the basics. As you progress through the steps, don't worry too much about dropping the balls. Focus on the movement of the balls first and then work on catching later. The most important thing to do is to develop your own rhythm for throwing, exchanging and catching. Block out your surroundings and ignore background noises. Most of the time there is only one ball in the air, and it is this ball on which you should focus your eyes and your concentration. As the ball descends towards its destination, it is exchanged for the ball in that hand, which then becomes airborne and the focus of attention. Once you start to get the feel for this, there will be no stopping you.
What next
The double-exchange is one of many juggling moves. Once mastered, you will grow the confidence to try out new moves and tricks. Joining a juggling club is the best and most enjoyable way to progress with your skills. There are many juggling clubs located in the UK. To find your nearest one, visit the clubs www.jugglingdb.com
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