Make Juggling Balls from Tennis Balls

You want to juggle, but aren't sure about buying some balls specifically made for juggling. Tennis balls will work, but have some problems (they bounce, they roll away, and they look like old tennis balls). Here are some ideas which may lead you to create a cheap, unique, and nice looking set of juggling balls.

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:Things_needed_756.jpg|thumb|Things needed.]] Get three tennis balls, some balloons, and some pennies (washers will also work).
 * 2) [[Image:Cut_slot_880.jpg|thumb|Cut slot for pennies.]] Cut a small slit in the tennis ball with a sharp knife. The slit should be slightly wider than the penny
 * 3)  [[Image:Insert_penny_322.jpg|thumb|Insert pennies.]] Insert five pennies into each ball. (Any small, low value, coin will do.) Once they are in, they will not fall out. These balls will jingle as you juggle, and when they hit the ground, they will not bounce and will not roll away.
 * 4) *You can use fewer or more coins, but remember to use the same number of coins for each ball! If you use sand, weigh it, and use the same amount for each ball.
 * 5) *Start with fewer coins and add more as necessary; they are easier to put in than to take out.
 * 6) *The balls may be filled with sand, rice, or any inert granular material as an alternative to pennies. If you use sand, you may want to seal the slit in the ball with electrical tape or hot-glue.

To add color and to improve the grip

 * 1)  [[Image:Cut_neck_856.jpg|thumb|Remove part of neck.]]Get several small round balloons. Cut the neck off a balloon.
 * 2)  [[Image:Cover_ball_887.jpg|thumb|Cover the ball.]]Stretch and pull the balloon over the ball.
 * 3)  Do this with two or three balloons in order to completely cover the tennis ball "fuzz".
 * 4) Repeat for the other two balls.
 * 5) * There you go, colorful and cheap!
 * 6) * And they make music (jingle).
 * 7) * And they have a good grip to them.
 * 8) * And they stay put when you drop them.

Tips

 * The balls can be covered with different colors of "electrical tape" instead of balloons.
 * You can make three balls of the same color, two of one color, one of another, or create three different color balls.
 * Be sure that you use the same amount of filling for each ball to ensure similar weights.

Warnings

 * Do not use a folding knife when you try to puncture the rubber of the ball. It may fold up and cut you.
 * Sharp knives are safer than dull ones. A box-cutter style razor knife may be safest for this procedure.
 * Children need an adult to supervise, particularly with the knife or box cutter.
 * The balloon covers will degrade over time and will need to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

 * 3 old tennis balls
 * A sharp knife
 * A bag of small round balloons or colorful electrical tape
 * 15 pennies, or a cup of sand, or rice, or other inert granular material

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Juggle Three Balls
 * How to Juggle Two Balls
 * How to Juggle Two Balls in One Hand
 * How to Make Juggling Balls (Balloon Method)