I want to learn juggling! - Page 2

MrsFix · #11 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 04:31 PM

I ordered beanbags and a devil stix set last night.

The gym teacher at my elementary school was a clown, now that I think about it. We saw him "in clown" maybe once. At the end of the school year, he'd teach fifth graders how to juggle, but with using those scarves.

I missed that, for some reason. I just don't remember why. Oh well.

In the meantime, I'll play with the one beanbag ball I have left from the cheap-o set that my daughter commandeered. ;-) I'll work on that back and forth throwing.

THANKS!!! (And the baby adds "Aaaayaaaa! AAAaaaaaaaeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh!" and chainsaw-ish growly noise.)

Happy Chappy & Daisy · #12 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 02:08 AM

I just got some devil sticks and juggling rings for free, recently. I wasn't prepared for how much harder rings are - imagine juggling frisbees. A little off, and they go a long ways away...

Finito · #13 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 06:47 AM

The only thing that I can really add is that IF you focus too much on catching or throwing any ONE ball in the mix, you'll NEVER get it! Your focus on that one ball will make the whole process utterly confusing.

The trick is to watch all three simultaneously in your paripheral vision rather than focusing on them individually... get accustomed to the weight and feel of whatever it is your juggling so that you can make a consistent toss each time and catch it effortlessly in the other. You'll be juggling before you know it.

MrsFix · #14 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 07:43 AM

Okay, rings will wait for... well, who knows?! Let's see how the basics go! LOL

(Still waiting, happily, for my new stuff to arrive. Yippee!)

noname · #15 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsFix

I ordered beanbags and a devil stix set last night.

The gym teacher at my elementary school was a clown, now that I think about it. We saw him "in clown" maybe once. At the end of the school year, he'd teach fifth graders how to juggle, but with using those scarves.

I missed that, for some reason. I just don't remember why. Oh well.

In the meantime, I'll play with the one beanbag ball I have left from the cheap-o set that my daughter commandeered. ;-) I'll work on that back and forth throwing.

THANKS!!! (And the baby adds "Aaaayaaaa! AAAaaaaaaaeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh!" and chainsaw-ish growly noise.)

When you are juggling devil sticks, start on the ground and work your way "up." The motion you use to control the devil sticks is similar to steering a car. Also, the closer to the top you hit the faster the devil stick will toggle, the lower (closer to the center) slows it down. You want to stay more towards the top and less toward the middle when starting out.

Mystix, the Devil Stick company used to sponsor me to sell them and play with them in front of toy stores and Deadhead stores, so any questions, feel free.

Fitzwilly · #16 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Chappy

I just got some devil sticks and juggling rings for free, recently. I wasn't prepared for how much harder rings are - imagine juggling frisbees. A little off, and they go a long ways away...

Chappy - Juggling rings is actually pretty simple and some find it easier than balls. One of the main differences is that you use a lot more wrist and less arm. With the wrist action the ring spins back towards you and is easier to catch.

PuppetsAndPals · #17 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 02:34 PM

I just started trying to learn how to juggle as well since my hubby said, "If you are going to be a clown, most people will expect for you to juggle." I'll try my best but I know that you DON'T HAVE to know how to juggle to still be entertaining. What I have learned so far is that it is GREAT exercise because I am constantly bending over to pick up whatever it is I am juggling. I'll have to try over the bed trick so I don't have to bend over so much. But I have noticed my abs are hurting so something is working in the muscle department. Maybe I should just continue doing that. There should be a clown exercise DVD!!!

Aloha,
Nikole "Puppets"

Toodle C. Doodle · #18 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 05:58 PM

Whatever you do, DON'T QUIT. To start, there really isn't a lot of training or instruction that you need. As long as you know the pattern that you are aiming for (the cascade pattern for beginners), all the rest is just practice on your part. Here are some basic training ideas that are helpful to know. First learn the basic arch of the bell with just one ball. just toss left to right at eye level every toss. when you are good at that, do two balls. left hand tosses, then right hand tosses, eye level every time (this is key). Finally, just add the third ball. Most beginners trow the third ball way in front of them have to go chasing after it. To remedy this, stand and juggle in front of a wall until you are throwing every single throw straight up at eye level every time(this makes an awesome trick in it self, try tennis balls, stand three feet away from a wall and bounce the tennis balls off the wall every throw... its actually quite easy). After you know how to juggle you really can juggle without thinking at all. And its something people love to watch.
Hope this helps.

Goober · #19 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 11:37 AM

I've been reading up on juggling, and I'm starting to get it. But I have this weird habit of throwing the second ball a few extra feet off to the left. I've tried a few tricks I've found, but there's been no real improvement. Any tips?

tim · #20 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goober

I've been reading up on juggling, and I'm starting to get it. But I have this weird habit of throwing the second ball a few extra feet off to the left. I've tried a few tricks I've found, but there's been no real improvement. Any tips?

relax and just kind of let it happen