How to Juggle!
Learn the most classic of circus tricks — no matter your skill level
Juggling is one of the most classic tricks, and it’s also one of the most accessible. Anyone can do it. Really! I’m here to show you how. I’m Luther Bangert, a professional juggler, and I’m going to teach you what’s called a three-ball cascade — the most traditional juggling technique. (See below for a video demo!)
First, start with one ball, and put your hands shoulder-width apart. Throw the ball high in the air, at least a few inches above your head. That way, you’ll have lots of room for the extra balls you’ll soon add to the juggling pattern.
Practice throwing the ball high in the air and catching it with your other hand. Then try either clapping or snapping your fingers while the ball is in the air — this serves as the markers for when you’ll be catching and throwing the additional balls.
Got the hang of it? Great. Now let’s try two balls! Put one in each hand, and start with the one in your dominant hand: throw it up, and across — just as you did before. As soon as you do that, do the same with the ball in your other hand, tossing it up and across in the other direction: Toss, toss, catch, catch. Get into that rhythm. Aim for the second throw to be underneath the first throw.
Once you’re in that rhythm, with even throws and even catches, you’re ready for the third ball. You can do it! Now, with two balls in your dominant hand and the third in your other hand, do the same thing you did before. The key is getting into that rhythm. Toss, toss, toss, catch, catch, catch.
This part takes the most practice! You’ll make plenty of drops, but don’t give up. Keep at it and you’ll get the hang of it! I promise. Happy juggling!
