How to Rotate Cigar Boxes in Juggling

The basis for several common cigar box juggling tricks is the rotation, also known as the snatch. This basic move requires the juggler to release an outside box, grab the inside box and rotate it around to the outside, all the while having one hanging in the air at all times. This trick takes time to master but will become natural very quickly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Three juggler's cigar boxes

1. Hold three cigar boxes end to end like a train between your hands at about waist height. Become comfortable with the weight and physics of the boxes before moving forward with this trick.
2. Bend your knees slightly, and keep your back straight. Release this stance and lift upward. Give the boxes a little lift as well. This will provide them with some momentum to hang. This gives you more time to rotate the middle box to the outside.
3. Release the box in your dominant hand. Be sure not to apply any unnecessary pressure, as it is crucial to this trick that all three boxes stay in a line. Ideally, this box will float on its own for a moment.
4. Move your hand above the middle box and grasp it, applying force downward. Swing the box under the free floating box and around to the outside of the three box lineup. Grip both boxes with your thumb and forefinger.
5. Adjust the outer boxes to easily meet up with the middle box and clamp the three together. Practice this move until the switch comes off as one fluid motion. This will not only look pleasing for the crowd but will shave valuable time off your trick and give you more to work with.

Tips & Warnings

• This trick requires a great deal of speed. The only way to gain enough confidence to get speedy is to practice.