Exploring the Dynamics of Juggling

The dynamics of juggling three balls in a figure-of-eight pattern are explored from a natural physical perspective. A pilot experiment is reported in which the juggling task is scaled on rate in order to test hypotheses as to how this effects: (1) the timing relation between two key time components in the motion of the hands, and (2) the relative balance between harmonic and relaxation behaviour of the effector system. In addition, some clues and ideas are provided as to how perception may constrain the act of juggling.

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