Q&A for How to Juggle

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  • Question
    How do I contact juggle?
    Barry McDonough
    Professional Magician
    Barry McDonough is a Professional Magician based in Boston, Massachusetts. He is an experienced magician and entertainer, bringing excitement and fun to audiences of all ages. Barry performs for children's birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and a variety of other types of events. His work has been recognized by The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.). Barry now runs a Magic School and Workshop to teach tricks and techniques to those eager to learn the art of magic from a professional. He received a BS in Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also received a JD from Suffolk University Law School in Boston.
    Professional Magician
    Expert Answer
    So contact juggling involves mastering the art of manipulating a ball, often a big glass one. Start by holding the ball in your hand and rolling it across your fingers and palms without letting it fall. Practice controlling the ball's movements using subtle shifts in pressure and angle. As you become more confident, experiment with different tricks like rolls, isolations, and transfers between your hands and arms. Practice until your movements are fluid and graceful. Just remember that mastering contact juggling requires practice and repetition. Start with simple maneuvers and gradually work your way up to more complex tricks. 
  • Question
    Can I juggle easier when standing or sitting?
    Community Answer
    It is much easier to juggle while standing. You have more control of the ball and can be eye level with the peak of the balls once thrown.
  • Question
    Can juggling make my mind sharper?
    Community Answer
    Juggling makes you more focused, which in turn increases concentration, so in this sense you could say it does help make your mind sharper.
  • Question
    Which ball is most suitable?
    Community Answer
    There are balls specifically made for juggling, and they are basically like hacky sacks. These work great because they do not bounce at all or roll all over the place. If you do not have these, other evenly weighted balls work fine, such as tennis balls.
  • Question
    How do I stop the balls from touching each other in the air?
    Community Answer
    Aim each one slightly differently so that they either go under or over each other.
  • Question
    How can I stop running around while juggling?
    Community Answer
    Throw the ball closer to you. If you start running after the ball, then you are not doing it right. It's best you start juggling in front of a wall; otherwise, keep trying and keep your feet locked.
  • Question
    Can I use socks instead of handkerchiefs?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Socks are sometimes easier to toss because they don't drift away as much.
  • Question
    What are some good tips for beginners?
    Community Answer
    Throw it a little higher than you think. Keep it close to you. Throw it against a wall. Use scarves to start, not balls. Ask for all the help you can!
  • Question
    How long does it take to juggle with your eyes closed?
    Community Answer
    You have to master normal juggling first. Once you're very comfortable with juggling as a whole, you can start trying with your eyes closed. Of course, it depends how much you practice, but this is a difficult skill to master.
  • Question
    How can I keep the ball from bouncing off my hand?
    Community Answer
    Try to cradle the ball as it lands. See if moving your hands down slightly when you catch the balls helps.
  • Question
    What if the balls you plan to use are too light?
    Community Answer
    The weight doesn't effect much, but if they fall, they will bounce a lot more.
  • Question
    Can I be in my living room while juggling?
    Community Answer
    You could. However, a large, empty space is best for beginners. If you're a competent juggler, you could juggle anywhere with enough space for your arms. If there are breakables or other items nearby, consider moving practice spaces.
  • Question
    Is there a way to make it easier?
    Community Answer
    Create a rhythm. Start reciting "1, 2, 3, 4 ,5... etc" and you'll soon start doing it without thinking about what you're doing.
  • Question
    How to increase sustainability using three balls?
    Jessie Carpenter
    Community Answer
    Try conditioning. Most sport training include muscle strengthening and toning. Try practicing with heavier items so that the regular weight seems easy.
  • Question
    I throw harder with my right arm, so the ball goes flying. Any advice?
    Community Answer
    Practice throwing the ball with just that right arm. Every time you throw, stop, figure out what went right and what went wrong, and then throw again. Do this until you have the muscle memory to keep the balls in orbit.
  • Question
    I just started and I can hardy do two. Is there a key to this?
    Community Answer
    Try it in front of a wall. If the balls hit the wall, you are doing it wrong. Throw the balls in a pattern that follows almost the shape of an airplane wing.
  • Question
    How long does it take to learn it when you're just starting?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how quickly you learn, how dedicated you are and how badly you want to learn.
  • Question
    How do I juggle multiple balls when juggling?
    Community Answer
    In order to juggle four balls, you need to juggle two balls in one hand and the other two in the other hand separately.
  • Question
    Can I juggle with heavy balls?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how heavy, but yes. If you are good enough, you can juggle almost anything that will fit in your hands.
  • Question
    How many dedicated hours does it take to go from a starter to 3 balls?
    Community Answer
    For me, it took about 6 cumulative hours over a span of one month. If you practice every day for 20 minutes, though, you should be able to pick it up faster, depending on how good your hand-eye coordination and judgement skills are.
  • Question
    I don't quite understand the over the top method. Could you explain it some more?
    Community Answer
    Basically, it means to throw the objects in a circle pattern in front of the body. it's actually faster moving and more challenging.
  • Question
    Do you have more tips if I am having trouble with the steps?
    Community Answer
    Practice regularly and often. If you happen to be a 'sprinting juggler,' and have erratic throws, try practicing throwing only -- not catching -- using a scoop toss. If you find yourself too frustrated, try going back to two balls or even one. Practicing in front of a wall can also help you control your throws.
  • Question
    I can do a three ball cascade with three throws, but I can't manage do a fourth. Do I just need to keep practicing, or is there something I might be doing wrong?
    Community Answer
    In order to juggle four balls, you need to juggle two balls in one hand and the other two in the other hand separately.
  • Question
    How old does someone have to be to juggle?
    Community Answer
    There is no age requirement, as juggling is not particularly dangerous. A child as young as 6-7 years old could learn.
  • Question
    At what age do you recommend starting to juggle?
    Community Answer
    There is no minimum or maximum age, and any age over seven is ideal.
  • Question
    Approximately how long does it take to master juggling three balls?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't take more than 1-2 weeks provided you practice every day.
  • Question
    Why do you have to look up when throwing the balls?
    Community Answer
    So that you can see how high it is. It will help you focus on how high to throw the next ball.
  • Question
    I have bouncy balls, is it okay to juggle with them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's common for people to juggle with bouncy balls. Just make sure the balls aren't heavy.
  • Question
    Can I use tennis balls to learn how to juggle?
    Community Answer
    Of course you can! They will bounce pretty far when you drop them, which can be annoying, but it's certainly possible to juggle them!
  • Question
    Are there any other things/materials I can juggle with?
    Community Answer
    One can juggle basically anything, however clubs and rings are quite popular.
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