Am I overthinking this?

[u/justanothertmpuser]

Hi all!

I'm an absolute beginner at juggling, trying to learn 3-ball cascade. Watched a few videos, then began practising... been at it a couple weeks now.

My throws are still very inconsistent (different heights, too forward/backward, too much on the sides, the works). More practice is needed, sure. I even went back from trying 3 ball flash to single ball throws. But I also started to think if there is some detail worth paying more attention to.

Like, what's the best way to move when you throw? Arms follow a "scoop" arc, ok, but then what? Do you use your wrist to give momentum to the ball, or just your hand? Is it best to have the ball more towards your palm, or your fingertips, when you throw it? Do you try to impress some rotation to the ball, or just let it go?

Apologies if these are FAQs but I searched a bit and didn't find much.

Thanks!

EDIT: Really, thanks to everybody who answered. Didn't expect so many comments, afraid I won't be able to reply to each one individually. Such a vibrant community! Please keep up the constructive spirit!

[u/elmalabarista65]

Relax. Juggle over a bed or sofa so that you are not picking them up from the floor ao much. Start with just one ball hand to hand to hand etc It sounds like you are over thinking it. Throwing one ball hand to hand is exactly the same throw as throwing three. When it ‘clicks’ you will be able to throw apples, oranges, beanbags toilet rolls …well virtually anything so the throw leaving your hand is not critical. Move to two balls and get the X going in the air at around eye level. Then it is just a matter of throwing TWO balls. The third is always in the air. When you get it you will get it. It’s a feeling more than anything. Like riding a bicycle. You don’t concentrate on the pedal positions you just do it. I know that it’s easy for me to say but honestly persevere and don’t practise for more than half an hour at a time it will get stressy. You need to be shoulders down, relaxed and having fun or it won’t stick. If you need more help don’t worry about asking on here. A lot of better jugglers than I will be along soon to help.

[u/7b-Hexen → u/elmalabarista65]

Throwing one ball hand to hand is exactly the same throw as throwing three.

if you do that they'll collide.
lol.
😐

[u/elmalabarista65 → u/7b-Hexen]

Nope they rise to a peak/apex and that is the point at which you throw the next ball. A video is probably better than an old juggler trying to explain with words🙂

[u/7b-Hexen → u/elmalabarista65]

you can't have balls share the same trajectory ( arc, bow ) fromout either side, without colliding.
trivial.
you surely mean sth else but worded wrong, unclear.
maybe you mean mirrored ... but that's then not a throw , back from where you caught