How to Pick Good Places to Practice Juggling

One of the reasons juggling is such a great hobby is that you can really do it anywhere.  I’ve juggled in public spaces, gymnasiums, boardwalks, beaches, and airport terminals; usually there’s nothing stopping you from doing it.  But just because you can do it anywhere, doesn’t mean that all spots are created equal; here are the things I consider when choosing a juggling spot.

Will I Break Anything?

This is usually only an issue indoors, and with specific equipment.  If you’re using beanbags, you aren’t likely to break much even if you’re indoors and close to furniture.  But maybe you’re using clubs, or knives (you maniac) or FIRE.  Unless you can clear out a juggling DMZ in your living room, chances are a wild club will hit something of value, and the club always wins that battle.  So to avoid breaking stuff when you’re juggling larger objects, move to a very clear area, or go outside, that’s where I learned clubs.

Will My Equipment Get Messed Up?

Are you juggling clubs over asphalt?  Juggling stage balls near a sewer drain?  Passing beanbags near a trash can?  These are easy ways to get your equipment screwed up.  Usually you’ll just get scratches or grime, but that still causes problems.  I know if there’s noticeable scratches or dirt on the object I’m using, I’ll start to think about it when I feel it, and when I’m juggling, the less thinking the better.

Will I Lose Stuff?

When you’re practicing juggling and trying new things, stuff is going to drop, and when they drop, they roll.  They roll under beds and dressers.  Into piles of clothing.  Behind computer desks.  After years of juggling you’ll become a master of visualizing where the balls rolled to, but you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle if you stay away from areas with crevices and ball sized gaps.

The terrible, terrible light.

The best kind of light for juggling comes from a few different angles, and is soft on the eyes.  The worst is light coming straight on, that turns whatever you’re juggling into shapeless black silhouettes.  I like to set up enough lights from enough sides that there aren’t a lot of shadows being cast too, that can be a bit confusing.  Having your back to the sun is almost always good too.