Difficulty: 3 - Intermediate Trick
Siteswap: [54][22]2
Prerequisite Skills: 3-Ball Cascade, Columns
Watch Video - WMV - 0.7 MB
This is a multiplex pattern, which means that two (or more) balls are being thrown at the same time from one hand. It is called Split Multiplex because the balls are split up when thrown, one to each hand.
Instructions:
This is probably one of the easiest 5-Ball tricks. In actuality, it's not much different from the basic 3-Ball Cascade. Look at the hand motions, and you'll notice the similarities.
When doing multiplexes, it's recommended to use small, squishy balls (bean bags). Since you'll be holding and catching multiple balls in one hand, bean bags make it easier to hold on to.
Start by practicing the split multiplex throw. Hold two balls in one hand; one in your palm using your pinky and ring finger, and one in your finger tips using your first two fingers and your thumb. Throw both balls up at the same time, with the finger-tip ball going towards your other hand, and the palm ball staying in a column above the throwing hand. You'll notice the ball going to the opposite hand naturally go a bit higher than the "stay-at-home" ball. Catch the two balls (after they split) with both hands.
Here's how you start this trick. Hold three balls in your right hand and two in your left. From your right hand, throw only one of those balls up and over towards the opposite hand. As that ball is coming back down, throw both balls from your left hand, using the multiplex throw practiced above. Then catch that first ball with your left hand. Then catch the "stay-at-home" ball in your left hand. Then catch the opposite hand ball in your right hand.
Now you're ready to continue the throws with each hand. Wait until the last second to release your multiplex throws. The down coming ball will almost be falling into that hand, before you release your multiplex throw. I find it helpful to aim the multiplex throws between the split balls in the air.
Once you get the hang of it, you'll find that this is a fairly easy pattern to keep going.
