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In 2017, juggler Alex Barron set a record by throwing 14 balls into the air and catching each one once. The spectacle is awe-inspiring, and it becomes even more remarkable when you understand the science that makes it possible.
According to WIRED in a new video, juggling more than 14 balls simultaneously may be physically unfeasible. Researchers examining the limits of juggling have discovered that the key to success is a combination of factors. Speed, or the juggler’s ability to move their hands fast enough to catch each ball as it falls, is important, but it isn’t the top priority.
What truly dictates the number of balls a juggler can handle is their precision. A skilled juggler knows how to keep the balls from colliding and ensures they fall within their reach. Without this accuracy, the performance collapses almost immediately.
Setting a new juggling world record is different from breaking records in events like sprinting or shot put. As jugglers add more balls to their act, they must throw higher and move their hands faster, meaning their throws must be far more precise than when juggling just one less ball. However, skill and countless hours of practice aren’t always sufficient; according to expert jugglers, the current world records may have also relied on a bit of good fortune.
For a deeper dive into the science behind juggling, check out the video below.
