How to Juggle Two Balls

Co-authored by Barry McDonough

Last Updated: May 23, 2025

In this article you will find out how to juggle two balls. Technically, this is not really juggling, it is however, the first step in learning how to juggle.

First, practice throwing one ball in a simple arch from one hand to the other, about eye-high, in a plane in front of your body.

Then, pick up a second ball. Toss the first ball, then pause a split-second, then toss the second ball just before catching the first ball.

The object is to exchange the one in the air for the one in your hand.

Steps

Download Article

Pick one ball and just toss it from one hand to another. Don't toss too high or too far -- keep it right in front of you. Then toss it back to the other hand. Do this until it becomes comfortable or until you feel silly doing it. Return the ball to the other hand in the same fashion, toss it up into the air. Resist the urge to simply pass it across to your "good" hand. Tossing it back up into the air gives you that split-second you will soon need for the third ball.
2
Hold one ball in each hand. Begin by tossing as before (you want to toss first from your dominant hand). Just after the first ball has peaked, reach up slightly to get it while tossing the other. The second toss (up-going) travels just the the inside of the down-coming balls path. Right after tossing the second ball you should catch the first. Do not toss too hard; keep them about eye-high. You will find that you are simply exchanging the one in the air for the one in your hand.
- This is the basic trick to juggling, it is called "The Jug". The good news is - if you can do two, you can do three (you just don't know it yet). Keep practicing exchanging the one in the air for the one in your hand.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Barry McDonough
  Professional Magician
  
  Expert Interview} One, two, catch, catch, stop. One, two, catch, catch, stop.
Advertisement
At this point, you have the skills needed to pick up that third ball and change that "Jug" into a "Juggle".
Instead, try to alternate starting hand. This means always starting with the same ball.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I keep the balls from bouncing off my hands?

Community Answer

Try to cup your hands so that the balls just fall into them. Also, don't use too much force, and try to avoid juggling balls that are bouncy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 42
Question

How do I do it quickly?

Community Answer

Throw the ball quicker and lower so it gets back to your hand faster.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 35
Question

What are some things that are able to be juggled?

Community Answer

Many things can be juggled. A few examples are balls, balloons, bowling pins, and cubes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 28

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

Set small goals (e.g. catch both balls, catch three balls, etc.)

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Do not use heavy things or you will injure yourself if it drops on your toe.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
If you are throwing the balls out in front of you, it is because you are opening your hand too early. Keep grasping the ball longer.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Don't juggle objects that are too heavy or that are dangerous in ANY way until you are very good.

Thanks
Helpful 29 Not Helpful 5
At first this may seem difficult.

Thanks
Helpful 27 Not Helpful 16