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How to learn Mills Mess(A 2 Ball Technique for a 3 Ball Trick) |
Many, many volumes have been written about this trick. I don't want really want to add to it, but I think this method may be of some help. Even if you already know Mills Mess, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with these instructions, as they will improve your technique.
First, as the title implies... drop that third ball! Put one ball in your right hand, and one in your left. Cross your arms, right over left. This is the starting position.
Now, throw the ball in your right hand from left to right, uncross your arms and throw the ball in your left hand from left to right as well - following the first one. As I failed to tell you about catching, they should both fall near your right foot, ideally on top of each other.
Now, try it again, only as you make the throw with your left, reach across and catch the first ball while it is still in flight. Carry that ball with your left hand over to your right, continuing the fluid motion of the ball. Then catch the second ball with your right hand, UNDERNEATH your left. (your arms should now be crossed, left over right)
Now we repeat the process, in the oposite direction. Throw the left hand's ball, from right to left. Then uncross your arms and throw the right hand's ball from right to left - following the first ball. Immediately after throwing, the right hand reaches across to catch the first ball on your left, and your left hand catches the second ball UNDERNEATH your right. Now you should be back to the starting position.
Okay, that's the gist. You need to repeat this sequence over and over until it is comfortable and fluid. The idea is to make the second ball chase the first around in a figure eight pattern. (actually, an infinity sign) CARRIES are just as important as throws, in making the pattern fluid. Do not stop the motion of the ball when you catch it. Continue it with a "carry" so that the balls are always in motion.
Once you can do the infinity pattern, it is time to add the third ball. Hold 2 balls in your right, and one in your left, and make the first two throws. Then reach across with your left to make the first catch, and reach UNDER your left with your right to throw the third ball after the first two. In other words, ALL 3 balls are thrown from left to right, following the same flight path. Then you make the underarm catch of the 2nd ball with your right hand. Then you start back the other way - throw the ball in your left from right to left, and then catch the 3rd ball. The 3rd ball is then carried under your right hand as it makes the 2nd throw from right to left, and then 3rd ball is thrown UNDER your right, from right to left.
As long as you can keep your right straight from your left, this should work. You see, the third ball is the tail of the "snake". All three balls chase each other around in the infinity sign. One is always in the lead, one is always at the back.
I’d be happy to show you what I mean in person. You can find me almost every Friday at the Orange Juggler’s meeting. I’m the extremely tall guy who always has a prop in his hands and appears to be consumed by it’s power - but don’t worry, I’m just making up for a week of pushing paper, phones, and keyboards.
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