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Balled Up

Balled Up is a close-up magic trick that offers a fresh take on the classic sponge ball routine, using everyday napkins instead. The magician transforms napkins into balls, makes them jump between hands, and concludes with a surprising finale where one ball appears inside the other. This impromptu trick is perfect for table-hopping or casual performances, requiring no special gimmicks and making it highly adaptable to various settings. Ideal for magicians looking for a practical, audience-participation-driven routine.

Key features

  • Uses everyday napkins for an impromptu performance

  • Strong, surprising finale with a napkin penetration effect

  • Detailed tutorial available on The Netrix

  • Gimmick-free and highly adaptable to different phases

  • Perfect for table-hopping or casual close-up magic

Pros

  • Highly impromptu and practical

  • Strong, memorable finale

  • No special gimmicks required

  • Adaptable to various performance phases

Cons

  • Relies on audience participation

  • May require practice for smooth execution

Effect

Balled Up is a magic trick that uses everyday napkins to create a surprising and engaging performance. The magician transforms napkins into balls, makes them jump between hands, and ends with a dramatic finale where one ball appears inside another. The routine is designed to be impromptu and highly visual, making it suitable for close-up performances.

Full details

Balled Up is a sponge-ball-style routine that replaces traditional sponge balls with napkins. The trick involves multiple phases, starting with the transformation of napkins into balls. The magician then performs a series of moves where the balls appear to jump between hands. The final phase features a surprising penetration effect, where one ball appears inside another. The routine is gimmick-free and relies on sleight of hand, making it a practical choice for impromptu performances.

Who should consider the trick

Balled Up is ideal for magicians who perform close-up magic and are looking for an impromptu alternative to sponge ball tricks. It is particularly suitable for those who want a routine that can be performed with everyday items like napkins. The trick is also a good choice for magicians who enjoy audience participation and want a strong, visual finale.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Balled Up requires a moderate level of skill in sleight of hand. The routine involves multiple phases and moves, which may take some practice to execute smoothly. However, the detailed tutorial available on The Netrix provides a comprehensive breakdown of the trick, making it accessible to magicians with some experience in close-up magic.

What magicians say

Craig Petty describes Balled Up as a "practical and impromptu alternative to sponge ball tricks." He highlights the trick's real-world applicability and its strong, surprising finale. The routine is praised for its adaptability to various phases and its use of everyday items like napkins. However, Craig notes that the trick relies on audience participation and may require practice for smooth execution. Overall, Balled Up is seen as a valuable addition to a magician's repertoire, especially for those who perform close-up magic.

What people are saying about Balled Up

magic-tv says...

Balled Up is a practical and impromptu alternative to sponge ball tricks using napkins, with a surprising finale where one ball appears inside the other.

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