How to Make Your Own Juggling Balls

Whether or not you're new to juggling, you're going to have the need for some quality juggling equipment. After numerous searches, I've come to a conclusion: this equipment is just too expensive! So, here are a  couple methods of solving your equipment problem. I've tried most of these myself, and I can tell you that they work like a charm!

Filling Racquetballs or Tennis Balls

Sounds like a great idea, right? They're already round and nicely shaped! The only problem is that they bounce (unless you want to learn bounce juggling). The other problem is that they're a little light, depending on your preferences. Here are some balls I recently made out of racquetballs:

The cool thing about these is that they actually look like professional juggling balls, unlike the type that you sew (I stay away from those, personally). So, here are a couple ways of doing this:

• First, acquire some racquetballs or tennis balls. The balloons on the outside are completely optional, but I do recommend them. They help with grip, and they also look extremely cool!
• Next, choose your filler:
• Pennies: I have not tried these, but I heard these help with bouncing issues. They also add weight!
• Water: These ones above are filled with water. The best way to put water in them is to have a syringe and needle to put the water in. If you don't have access, then a small hole will do the trick
• Sand: This or any other type of gritty thing will work
• Bird seed: I've heard that this one works well too

• Next, just seal the hole and put the balloon around!

Rice and Balloons

This is the method for those of you who like the bean-type balls. This method is also very inexpensive; you can find these materials for less than $5 at most stores. Here is what they look like:

Now, these are entirely customizable. You can make them any size that you like! Here is how you do it:

• Find an empty water bottle
• Fill it with the desired amount of rice
• Put the balloon on top, blown up (like the picture below):

•  Note that I did not put the rice in the bottle above. You should do that before the balloon goes on.
• Next, just flip the bottle over and watch the rice fall inside!
• You then should cut the neck of the balloon (the small part where you blow) off. If you do this carefully, no rice will fall out.
• Now just apply another cut balloon over the hole so that no rice can escape.

These are the two methods that I have tried, and I can tell you that they work very well! They are much cheaper than the professional balls, and they still look good. Hopefully these will help you get started. Hopefully by the time you new jugglers have these made I'll have my first tutorial up!

Enjoy  your new juggling balls, and keep learning!

-Phil