Juggling has been around for approximately 4,000 years. The first recorded evidence of juggling has been seen in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics in the Beni Hassan tomb. Evidence of juggling has also been seen in other cultures throughout the world, including the Aztecs, the ancient Chinese, Greeks and Indians.
Balls may be made of bean-bag material and therefore be rather light. They can also be weighed specifically to provide a workout to the juggler. Balls may also be used to do various things like spinning and bouncing.
Juggling balls are made from a variety of materials. Silicon can be used for balls intended for bouncing. Steel or acrylic balls may be used for techniques like contact juggling. Vinyl balls filled with steel shot may be used for exercising. Juggling balls may also be made of wood, a more traditional material.
Juggling balls can be found both on and offline. Sites like Dube Juggling Equipment, The Juggling Store, Juggle Now, eSportsonline and Uncle Games, carry juggling balls. Additionally, Target and Wal-Mart sell juggling balls as well, although their stock is only o line. Offline retailers for juggling balls may include local costume shops, billiard stores, and magician or juggling supply stores.
Take two small balls into your right hand and one into your left. Make certain that the balls are not too large but about the size of your fist. Bean-bags or sand-filled balls are good for beginning jugglers. Throw the first ball in your right hand into the air toward your left hand, making certain that the ball goes no higher than your head. When the first ball is about to enter the left hand, throw the second ball, which is in your left hand, into the air. When the second ball is about to enter the right hand, throw the third remaining ball into the air toward the left hand. Continue this pattern. At any given time only one ball is being held at a time, which makes the trick relatively easy, as mentioned by jugglers at the International Jugglers Association.
Place a ball between your heels and then move your feet quickly so that you kick the ball backwards so that it goes over your head around the front of your body to end up on the floor again. After the first one is in the air, add a second ball by placing it on the floor near your heels and kicking it up into the air behind you. Do the same for the third ball. A cascade of three balls is made, as described by Steven Ragatz. Make certain that the balls are being hit far enough behind you so that they do not hit the back of your head.
Ball juggling is not only for professional or amateur jugglers and magicians. It is a fun and useful diversion for children as well. It develops concentration, hand-eye coordination and patience. Additionally, by using heavier balls, juggling can provide an upper body workout for teenagers as well as adults, while getting the added benefit of improved mental and physical agility.