Rings in Flight: Flat Ring Passes in Pairs

Partners toss juggling rings edge-on with spin while moving around. It warms up the upper body and builds the grip and wrist snap that ring juggling needs.

How to play

1. On your own: toss the ring straight up, edge-on and spinning, and catch it by the rim (2 min).
2. In pairs 3 m apart: pass it edge-on with spin so it arrives at chest height (2 min).
3. Keep passing while the pair shuffles sideways down the court, holding the distance (2 min).
4. Two rings per pair: pass at the same time, each on your own right side so they don't collide (2 min).
5. High pass: the catcher claps once before catching (2 min).

Rules

• Toss the ring edge-on, never flat toward someone's face.
• Catch it by the rim with your fingers together.
• All pairs throw in the same direction, in parallel lanes.
• If you're not ready, raise your hand and nobody throws to you.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: use brightly colored rings and have the partner say "now" on release.
• Limited mobility: pass seated, with the partner also seated 2 m away.
• Finger injury: catch by hugging the ring with the forearm and throw with the healthy hand.

Learning goals

• Throw with controlled wrist spin.
• Receive a spinning object.
• Match rhythm with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• juggling rings: 30

Teacher tip

Juggling rings are flat and sold by circus suppliers; small flying discs or thick cardboard rings wrapped in tape work instead. Common mistake: throwing the ring flat like a frisbee, which wobbles and stings fingers.

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