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Ring Juggling and Pain
There were two places that gave me trouble. The first was on the release. At the circus school, I was training seven and eight, so I had to hold four in each hand, separating the rings with each finger. As the ring released, it usually took a little skin off the back of my knuckle. The sweat didn't help matters. It didn't take too many hot, New Jersey afternoons to wear my fingers down. I was constantly taping, and re-taping my fingers. Messy business, but part of the game. The other place is on the catch. The space just between the thumb and index finger can become bruised and worn. Many other jugglers use gloves successfully, although I never found a pair that suited me.
In both cases, I found it most beneficial to lighten the grip. Trying to relax the hold on the rings and let them "fly" out of the hands rather than being chucked made a dramatic difference. Keeping loose control during the release is critical. One of the main tips that Albert Lucas had at a recent club meeting was to make sure that you didn't grip the rings too tightly during the initial flash.
I would often have to use hand lotion excessively, particularly in the winter. I never resorted to wearing gloves soaked in lotion at night, but that is an option in extreme cases.
"NewSkin" is a wonderful product. I kept a bottle in my prop bag.
Eventually, your hands will learn how not to get banged up too much, but rings are always hazardous. If not to the fingers, every now and again you will try to catch one with your clavicle.
- Steve