As a final exercise the beginner should learn—
12. The Double Over Fountain
Four balls are required for this, a couple being taken in each hand, Nos. 1 and 3 being in the left and Nos. 2 and 4 in the right hand.
Nos. 1 and 2 are thrown up simultaneously in the simple Vertical Fall, as in A, [Fig. 14]. The hands are then rapidly moved apart and balls Nos. 3 and 4 are thrown over the first two balls in such a manner that they cross each other and are caught in the opposite hands ([Fig. 14]). The volley with those two balls is immediately returned and the hands are brought nearer together to catch and throw Nos. 1 and 2 again. Thus the fountain is kept up indefinitely. It will be observed that the two hands constantly approach and separate, as the two sets of balls are caught in turn, and such action must be very smartly performed.
Fig. 13.—The triple shower.
Fig. 14.—The double over fountain.
The substitution of clubs or knives for balls can be easily effected, although the performance is none the better for the change. In using knives, the juggler should see that the handles are well weighted to insure that part of the object falling into his hand. The substitution of knives is not sufficiently interesting to compensate for the additional risk, and the amateur may very well dispense with them.
Plates and clubs are equally unwieldy, and the juggler can scarcely do better than content himself with the plain balls, the manipulation of which is certain to provide a pretty and interesting entertainment at all times.