Learn 3 multiplex patterns with 4 balls!
Let's learn some 4 ball magic! 4 ball tricks are super underrated. A lot of people learn 3 and skip right to 5 balls, completely missing out on all the fun 4 ball patterns out there! Lame.
There are so many great 4 ball tricks, and some of my favorites involve MULTIPLEXES!
I've made a video tutorial showing you how to do 3 multiplex patterns with 4 balls. You can check that out here! But if you prefer written instructions, continue reading...
(but seriously the video will probably be more helpful. watch it!)
Prerequisites
You shouldn't be learning 4 ball tricks until you can do the 4 ball fountain solid. Period.
If you are having a hard time with the fountain, or haven't learned it at all, go check out my tutorial on that here:
Equipment - JUGGLING BALLS!
If you haven't already, I highly recommend you get a set of juggling beanbags. Check out my affordable and durable set you can buy here! (Also available as individual beanbags):
(I recommend buying another small item from the website to take advantage of the free shipping over $20!)
Or if you prefer Amazon:
What's a Multiplex?
A multiplex is a type of throw in juggling where you throw more than one ball from one hand at the same time.
Basically, it means you threw 2 or more balls at once with 1 hand. Fancy right? Yeah. It is.
It also opens up a lot of potential for variations and style in your juggling!
In this tutorial, I cover 2 main types of multiplexes:
Stack Multiplex
A stack multiplex is where you throw two balls up in a vertical stack and they both land in the SAME hand. A stack multiplex can cross to the other hand, or go straight up to the same hand.
In this tutorial, we'll be crossing the stack multiplex to the other hand!
Take a moment and practice that back and forth. It should feel just like a normal 3 ball crossing throw, but now you have two balls stacked on top of each other!
You'll want to make sure to split the balls so you have time to catch them, to do this, push up with your fingers on the top ball as you throw. This will create a nice separation between the two balls.
Even Split Multiplex
A split multiplex is where you throw two balls up and they land in SEPARATE hands. An even split multiplex is the same thing, but specifies that the balls go the same height.
To do an even split multiplex, hold the balls horizontally in your fingers so they're parallel to your body. Then, push up through the pad of your hand. This will cause the balls to separate.
Then catch them in separate hands! (If you need more help with this, watch the video tutorial!)
Be sure to practice this on both sides!
Once you're feeling comfortable with those two types of multiplexes, let's put them into 4 ball patterns!
The Patterns
Stack Multiplex Cascade
The first pattern we'll learn is a normal 3 ball cascade, but we'll replace one of the balls with a 2 ball stack multiplex!
Start by throwing 1 ball up, then when that ball comes down, throw the stack multiplex.
When the stack is coming down, throw 1 ball up again!
This should feel a lot like the 3 ball cascade. It's still "right, left, right left"
Easy right? Let's move onto the next one!
Even Split Multiplex Cascade
Sticking with the cascade theme, let's incorporate the even split multiplex into the cascade!
Start by throwing 1 ball up (just like the last pattern), then when that ball comes down throw the even split multiplex.
The multiplex should split, having one ball come down to each hand.
The hand that threw the multiplex will catch the ball coming down on its side, so you'll have two in that hand again.
The other hand will throw 1 ball up to continue the cascade.
This pattern is still right, left, right, left! And the same hand will always throw the multiplex. So it'll feel like "1 ball, multiplex, 1 ball, multiplex"
Ready for the last pattern?
Even Split Multiplex 423
Let's mix it up! We've been doing cascade multiplexes, but let's try incorporating the even split multiplex into a 423!
If you aren't familiar with the 423 (sometimes called the "W"), go look it up and give it a try. It's a great trick and it serves as the foundation for many others.
The biggest thing to remember about 423, is that it goes "right, right, left, left". This is true for the pattern we're about to learn as well!
Start by throwing 1 ball up (again, yay!), when that ball is coming down, throw your even split multiplex. This start is the exact same as the last pattern.
But this time, as those balls are coming down to each hand, you're going to throw 1 ball from the SAME HAND that threw the multiplex!
This will result in you having 2 balls in the other hand this time. You'll then throw the multiplex from that hand!
Continue that pattern back and forth. It should feel like "right, right, left, left, right, right, etc.)
Conclusion
So there you have it! 3 fun multiplex tricks with 4 balls. The full video tutorial covers a lot more information like how to transition in and out of the 4 ball fountain into these tricks, as well as more in depth explanations. I highly encourage you to watch it in conjunction with these written instructions.
Good luck, and remember to be patient with yourself, take your time, and have fun!
Looking for some great quality juggling props like me? Check out the links below and use promo code "TAYLOR15" for 15% off your entire order!
Juggling Balls: Taylor Tries Beanbag Set
Juggling Clubs: Henry's Loop Clubs