How to Juggle Patterns with Both Hands

Learning the four-ball synchronous and asynchronous patterns are two of the most useful techniques in the juggler's book. Primarily, they are identical in what your hands will be doing. However, they appear different to the audience. The synchronous pattern is a mirror image on both sides of your body, while the asynchronous is a optical illusion of sorts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn to juggle two balls in one hand if you have not already. If you already have this technique down, be sure that your right and left hands are equally comfortable performing this feat, as you will need them to be at the same level for this trick.

2. Perform the synchronous throw first. This begins by creating a two-ball fountain in each hand at the same time. This means that when the right hand is throwing a ball up, the left should be throwing at the same time. This way, both balls travel the same path at the same speed at the same time. This produces a hypnotic effect on the audience.

3. Switch to the asynchronous throw by simply transitioning into it, if you are comfortable with it. If you are still learning the move, catch all four balls and start from scratch. This is a more traditional-looking trick. To start, alternate your right and left throws. The easiest way to remember this trick is to think that when one ball reaches the apex of its fountain, the other hand should throw a ball up. This provides an off-kilter effect in which, if done correctly, it can look like the balls are switching sides to the untrained eye.

4. Mix the two styles freely, alternating your pattern with each. Get comfortable shifting between the two, as it will help you perform more complicated tricks later.

5. Give your hands and arm motions some dramatic movements. While making sweeping motions with your arms doesn't help you juggle better, it helps visually stimulate your audience.