Call the Color: Toss Two, Catch the One I Name

In pairs, one student tosses two balls of different colors at once and the partner calls which one to catch. It trains reaction time and peripheral vision, two keys to juggling.

How to play

1. On your own: toss two balls at once, one from each hand, and catch both (2 min).
2. In pairs: while the balls are in the air, your partner calls a color and you catch only that one (3 min).
3. Your partner calls "right" or "left": catch the ball they name with that hand, even if you have to cross over (2 min).
4. Switch roles and take the challenge: five in a row with later and later calls (3 min).

Rules

• Toss the balls straight up, not out to the sides.
• The caller stays two steps away and does not touch the balls.
• Pick up a dropped ball only once it stops rolling.
• Each pair stays in its own area without drifting into the next one.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the partner holds up a color card instead of calling out.
• Limited mobility: toss from a wheelchair using slower objects, such as two scarves of different colors.
• Hesitant students: start with low tosses and have the partner call before the toss.

Learning goals

• React to a signal while tracking an object.
• Use peripheral vision.
• Warm up arms and legs before juggling work.

Equipment for a class of 25

• juggling balls: 60

Teacher tip

Each student needs two colors; if all your balls match, pair one ball with one scarf. Common mistake: tossing the balls out to the sides; ask for two straight columns.

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