When I work on juggling technique, I don't visualize the trick itself, but rather the feel of the trick being executed perfectly. So, I see the trick being done from a first person perspective.

During a trial, I try to keep hold of a couple of simple concepts.

First, work on only one thing at a time. For example, if I am working on the start of a trick, on a single trial, I would focus on the first flash and not care about anything that happens after. On another trial, I might be training the pattern balance, particularly since my left hand likes to be a bit lazy. And on yet another trial, I might focus on shoulder placement, etc.

I have found this to be more valuable than to always try to do the entire trick, with all of it's various parts, correctly on each trial. Once the trick is out of my head and into my hands, I can put all of the pieces together, but it is just too much to remember and too many things going on to split my focus initially. When I have a clear, limited idea what I wish to accomplish with a given trial, then my chance for success improves dramatically and training is less discouraging.

Second, I try to focus with my "mind's eye". The information that most jugglers latch on to is visual information. That is, we watch the pattern and analyze if a given throw was too high, or outside, or under spun, etc. This feedback is crucial, but is merely a symptom of the actual juggling itself. After all, once I see the throw in the air, it is too late to do anything about it other than try to recover. The only point that I can actually influence the trick, is the point of release when I let go of the prop and send it on it's pre-ordained path. As soon as it leaves my hand, the prop is no longer in my control and I can no longer have any influence over it.

As such, I try to focus on the body and how it "feels" when executing a given trial. Even though my eyes are looking up, my mind's eye is watching my hands. I try to make it feel correct. I much prefer a run that feels smooth, but results in an error, than a run that requires constant adjustments and is a struggle to keep off of the floor. The body-tool is the only way I have to influence the trick, so I try to focus on it and not rely only on an intellectualized analysis of visual information alone. On some trials, I might focus solely on elbow placement, or placement of my feet. A common focus point for me and small ball juggling, is for me to "see" how the balls are oriented in my hands on the catch/throw cycle. Is it on the palm, or is it in the fingers? Are the hands different? Do they feel like the arm swing is symmetrical? Does one hand tire more easily? Is my left wrist tensing? Etc.

I often use metaphorical images to encourage the correct "feel" for a trick. For example, for seven balls, I always have trouble starting the first flash and getting the timing correct without undue tension. I like to think that the trick is more difficult than it is and chuck the balls into the air. If I can get through the first round, I can find the control, but that first round is often elusive. I often self-coach myself to let "the balls fly" out of my hands. A visualization of the balls propelling themselves rather than me having to push them up helps me to get a good feel for the trick. Another one that I have to remind myself about constantly is to remember to lift from my "center" rather than simply throwing from the arm. Fatigue is my worst enemy, and that is a result of un-centered action and unnecessary tension.

I have not had any experience with visualization outside of actual training. That is, I have had no personal proof that my technical performance improves by just sitting down and thinking about it. I dream about juggling, but never in a way that would result beneficially. (If I were to perform as I dream, most of my shows would involve me going on stage having forgotten my props, music or pants!)

However, I have had success with carefully directed practice sessions. Beyond visualization, and any of that stuff, the single most significant thing that one can do to improve juggling technique is to train with a coach. To be relieved of the coaching responsibilities is crucial to achieving one's potential. Yes, juggling is a skill that one can do alone, and if necessary, one can self-coach. But to really challenge the art, I am convinced that one needs a mentor/trainer/coach trio.

- Steve