Two-Ball Columns

This is another drill that prepares you for more complex tricks. The goal is to keep the throws as consistently vertical as possible, with a consistent height and rhythm. Vertical means that the ball travels straight up and down without moving sideways, forward, or backward. Height is important for maintaining the rhythm and for the visual effect of more complex exercises.

What to focus on

Each ball belongs to one hand and moves in its own vertical column. There is always one high throw in the air while the other hand holds its ball.

How to practice

Throw one ball and then the other, alternating between them. Aim for both balls to follow the same rhythm and reach the same height.

Common issues

The columns converge in the center

You are probably using the scooping motion from the cascade and moving your hand inward as you release the ball. Go back to one ball and check that your palm moves cleanly up and down. Add the other hand only when the ball lands back in the same place.

One side is lower

The weaker hand often throws more cautiously, so the time between throws starts to shorten on that side. Make several individual throws with only your weaker hand and match the peak of each throw to the height of the stronger side.