Basic Numbers is my course in which we toss from one to many balls and deal with the various properties thereof.

A first step in learning to juggle is to toss one object from hand to hand.

Take the BALL #1 page out of the program packet.
Wad and crumple it up into a paper ball.

Take the BALL #1 page out of your program packet and make a paper ball out of it.

Please stand up and toss your paper ball from one hand to the other.


Back and forth.

Mime a toss then hold up a pattern. Take out the 16" x 16" wooden square.


Attempt to toss 16 inches high by 16 inches wide.


Pantomime the action in the big graph.


That's above waist height to head high.


Say the word TOSS when you toss the ball.


Catch on the outside and toss from the inside so you peak off the opposite ear.

Turn up the circus music for a minute and say:


Put your hands out in front of you a little more than usual to see all the action.


Keep your eyes on the ball as it reaches the peak, excuse me, the vertex, in the toss.


Watch the parabolic path of the ball.

Of course you have a test now and even better a parade!

After 3 to 4 min. - turn down the circus music while giving a few short blasts from the whistle and say:


Ok, RECESS is OVER

Please be seated but save your paper ball for later.


Instructions: Take out the balls and juggle. ...such as those being demonstrated now. Have volunteers use different patterns. Transparency backup.


Basic Numbers continues with some patterns such as a two ball fountain,


then a three ball shower,


A DROP


on into a figure eight cascade, then columns


and a four ball synchronized fountain


or an alternating four ball fountain (asynchronized)

bounce patterns . . . then

Juggling patterns for an even number of balls are quite different from the juggling patterns for an odd number of balls.


Passing patterns between jugglers extends my Basic Numbers course past school.

Sir, you did well with your first ball pass, would you mind helping with . . .

Well maybe that puts the AU in AUDIENCE - THANK YOU!

Copyright © 1996 William V. Thayer, All Rights Reserved