Juggling Rings: Spin Throws, Necklace Catch and Passing

An introduction to juggling rings: grip, spin throw and catch, a necklace catch trick and partner passing. The flat shape of the ring makes students pay attention to throw angle and accuracy.

How to play

1. Grip and throw: hold the ring at the bottom, upright and edge-on toward an imaginary partner, and release with a flick of the wrist so it spins backward (4 min).
2. One ring hand to hand at eye level, then two rings alternating (6 min).
3. Necklace trick: catch the ring and, without letting go, slide it down over the head onto the neck, then throw it again (5 min).
4. Partner passing 10 feet apart between cones: first one ring, then two alternating, counting passes in a row without a drop (6 min).
5. Pair challenge: a 30-second sequence with one solo trick from each partner and 10 passes in a row (4 min).

Rules

• Use lightweight plastic juggling rings, never metal rings.
• Passes go to the partner's right hand at shoulder height, never toward the face.
• All pairs throw in the same direction, in parallel lines 10 feet apart.
• Before throwing, make eye contact to check that your partner is ready.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: throws while seated and passes over a shorter distance with the partner at the same height.
• Hearing impairment: the pass is signaled by raising the ring before throwing.
• Coordination difficulties: swaps the ring for a large scarf for the first passes.

Learning goals

• Throw and catch juggling rings accurately with control of the spin.
• Coordinate passes with a partner while keeping a shared rhythm.
• Add a solo trick to a shared sequence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• juggling rings: 50
• cones: 10

Teacher tip

If you do not have juggling rings, thick cardboard discs or small 12-inch plastic rings work. Make sure lines do not cross when students pick up dropped rings.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School