Difficulty: 1 - Basic Juggling
Siteswap: 3
Prerequisite Skills: None
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This is the basic juggling pattern that most jugglers learn first. It consists of alternating left/right throws in a braid-like pattern.
Instructions:
If you are completely new to juggling, it's best to first practice throwing and catching one ball only. Throw it up, about head-high, from one hand to the other. Make sure to practice both hands.
Once you've got a good, consistent toss and catch with one ball, it's time to try two. Hold one ball in each hand. Throw the first one the same as you've been practicing. When that ball reaches its apex, throw the other ball up and inside of the now down coming first ball.
Do NOT do this. Notice that the first throw is correct, but the second one is handed off directly to the other hand without ever throwing it up. This is a common mistake most people make when first learning to juggle. (Note: Later, you will learn that this type of pattern is called a shower, and is harder to do than the basic cascade.)
Finally, you're ready to add the third ball. Start with two balls in your dominate hand (right, if you're right-handed) and one ball in the other. Throw the first one up from your dominate hand. When it reaches the top, throw the next one from your other hand. When it reaches the top, throw the last ball up. Rinse and repeat.
Take your time. You don't have to rush the balls one right after the other. You can even slow the pattern down by waiting for the other ball to fall almost into your hand before letting go of the next ball. The higher you make your throws, the more time you have, but the harder it is to keep the throws accurate. You may also find that your throws make you want to keep moving forward to catch them. If this is the case, practice juggling in front of a wall or facing a bed. This will force you to make better throws.
