How to Juggle Two Balls

Co-authored by Barry McDonough

Last Updated: December 19, 2024

In this article you will find out how to juggle two balls. Technically, this is not really juggling, it is however, the first step in learning how to juggle.

First, practice throwing one ball in a simple arch from one hand to the other, about eye-high, in a plane in front of your body.

Then, pick up a second ball. Toss the first ball, then pause a split-second, then toss the second ball just before catching the first ball.

The object is to exchange the one in the air for the one in your hand.

Steps

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Pick one ball and just toss it from one hand to another. Don't toss too high or too far -- keep it right in front of you. Then toss it back to the other hand. Do this until it becomes comfortable or until you feel silly doing it. Return the ball to the other hand in the same fashion, toss it up into the air. Resist the urge to simply pass it across to your "good" hand. Tossing it back up into the air gives you that split-second you will soon need for the third ball.
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Hold one ball in each hand. Begin by tossing as before (you want to toss first from your dominant hand). Just after the first ball has peaked, reach up slightly to get it while tossing the other. The second toss (up-going) travels just the the inside of the down-coming balls path. Right after tossing the second ball you should catch the first. Do not toss too hard; keep them about eye-high. You will find that you are simply exchanging the one in the air for the one in your hand.
- This is the basic trick to juggling, it is called "The Jug". The good news is - if you can do two, you can do three (you just don't know it yet). Keep practicing exchanging the one in the air for the one in your hand. One, two, catch, catch, stop. One, two, catch, catch, stop.
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At this point, you have the skills needed to to pick up that third ball and change that "Jug" into a "Juggle".
Instead, try to alternate starting hand. This means always starting with the same ball.

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Question

How do I keep the balls from bouncing off my hands?

Community Answer

Try to cup your hands so that the balls just fall into them. Also, don't use too much force, and try to avoid juggling balls that are bouncy.

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How do I do it quickly?

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Throw the ball quicker and lower so it gets back to your hand faster.

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Question

What are some things that are able to be juggled?

Community Answer

Many things can be juggled. A few examples are balls, balloons, bowling pins, and cubes.

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Tips

You might find yourself throwing the second ball across from one hand to another, rather than throwing it up at all. This is a different pattern. Make sure that all throws go up, as well as over.

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Set small goals (e.g. catch both balls, catch three balls, etc.)

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Do not use heavy things or you will injure yourself if it drops on your toe.

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Warnings

Don't juggle objects that are too heavy or that are dangerous in ANY way until you are very good.

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At first this may seem difficult.

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