2026 IJA
Jul 28, 2026 @ 10:00 am•Harrison Meeting Room A

First-Time Juggling: Drop, Laugh, Learn, Proven

Ready to discover the Joy of Juggling? This Workshop is for YOU! No experience? No problem! Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious, everyone is welcome to learn this fun, no-pressure juggling adventure.
When
–
Location
Harrison Meeting Room A
Props
3 Balls
scarves
Skill Level
Beginner
Instructor
Josh Schilling

DROP, LAUGH,

LEARN

In this workshop, you’ll discover the secrets to mastering the 3-ball cascade—the essential building block of juggling. With simple, step-by-step guidance, you’ll leave feeling confident and excited to keep practicing.

Why You’ll Love It:

• It’s all about fun! Expect lots of laughs, a few drops (they’re part of the magic!), and a supportive vibe.

• No judgment zone. Drops are just proof you’re learning, and I’ll even show you how to embrace them as part of the juggling journey.

• You’ve got this! All it takes is a spark of curiosity and a willingness to try. I’ll be with you every step of the way.

What to Bring: Just your enthusiasm and a can-do spirit! Got juggling balls? Bring ‘em! If not, don’t worry—I’ve got plenty to share.

Come play, learn and surprise yourself with how much you can achieve in one workshop. Let’s make some juggling magic together!

Here is a breakdown of some of the things we will go over:

BASIC CASCADE STEPS

Things to remember throughout:
Keep hands low when throwing and catching. Let the ball come to your hand.
Catch and throw with your hand underneath the ball and with one hand.
Check your posture and breath. If you are moving your feet or body to catch it, you may be throwing it too high.

Be sure to throw from the inside of the body and catch on the outside as in step 3 when doing cross throws.
Practice repetition. Take breaks. Feel it more than thinking about it.
Positive Mental Attitude (I can and I will)

One ball warm up and exercises:

  1. Hold ball in one hand extended in front of your body. drop the ball. With good posture, bend at the knees and pick it up with the opposite hand. Repeat as necessary.
  2. Hand off ball back and forth from left to right and back to left.
  3. Wrap ball around waist both directions.
  4. Small circles going alternating hands. Each hand goes from outside, down to inside of body.
  5. Throw ball up from right to left and then left to right about forehead height at peak.
  6. Add a clap after each throw, but before each catch. Right throw, clap, left catch; then left throw, clap, right catch.
  7. Add 2 claps just like in previous step.
  8. Throw, pat, catch. Right throw, left pat on thigh, left catch; then left throw, right pat, right catch.
  9. Throw, pat, pat, catch. R throw, L pat, R pat, L catch; then L throw, R pat, L pat, R catch.

Two ball exercises:

  1. Alternate throws straight up just above head height, catching in the same hand. Right throw, right catch, left throw, left catch; then repeat.
  2. Throw both balls straight up at the same time. Try to maintain equal heights just above head.
  3. Throw the first one straight up, then throw the second one before you catch the first one. Good timing is the goal here. Should be staggered with even space between all throws and catches. R throw, L throw, R catch, L catch; then L throw, R throw, L catch, R catch.
  4. Do step 3, only this time cross both balls in the air to the opposite hand. Remember to keep the same timing as in step 3. Throw, throw, catch, catch.
  5. Pat the thigh on the off beat. It will be R throw, L throw, R pat, L catch, R catch; then L throw, R throw, L pat, R catch, L catch. This step is optional. Some people may find it easier to skip, but it’s fun to try or come back to later.

Three ball exercises:

  1. The Flash: Always start with the hand that has 2 balls. If starting with Right it will be a R throw, L throw, L catch, R throw R catch L catch. That is likely more confusing than just doing it. Just focusing on throws would be R,L,R. The end position will be the opposite of the starting position with two in the hand that had one. You will do the same as in step 4, only before you catch the second ball, you will throw the third one to the opposite hand.  Try starting with 2 in the left and one in the right. Then alternate starting positions upon success.
  2. Now try 4 catches in the same way, only this time before you catch the 3 ball, you re-throw the first one.
  3. Keep repeating that process of emptying your the hand that is about to catch until you have 6 successful catches. CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU JUGGLED!

Find more workshops here: https://festival.juggle.org/workshops/