Ghost Balls Routine

Perform a Full Routine Anywhere You Stand

You'll be able to perform a 5-minute magic routine that starts with a simple card trick and ends with a giant sponge ball appearing in a spectator's hand. You'll learn how to make balls travel through the air, use a finger ring to "split" one ball into two, and keep the magic moving even if you don't have a table. It's the perfect set for a party or a walk-around gig where you need to look like a pro without carrying a suitcase of props.

How the Ghost Balls Lesson is Structured

The training is broken into seven videos. It starts with a full performance so you can see the timing and how the "acts" of the routine fit together. Xulio then walks you through the setup in your pockets and explains the three-part structure he uses to build excitement. Finally, you get four short "detail" videos that focus on the hardest parts: the pocket steals, the ring handling, and how to hide a ball while holding a deck of cards.

What’s the Difficulty?

This routine is for people who already know the basics of holding a sponge ball in their hand. It’s a mid-level routine because you have to manage props in your pockets while people are watching you. You don't need to be a master of sleight-of-hand, but you will need to practice the timing of your "steals." If you can comfortably hide a sponge ball in your palm, you can learn this.

About Xulio Merino

Xulio is the magician who famously fooled Penn & Teller on their show Fool Us using only sponge balls. He’s spent years performing this exact routine at cocktail parties and professional gigs. He is an expert at taking the "humble" sponge ball and making it look like a high-level miracle.

What's Included

• How to load a ball into your hand while the spectator looks at their card
• The "Always Three" sequence where a ball keeps returning after you put it away
• The "Ring Split" move to make a second ball appear out of nowhere
• How to make balls travel from your hand into the spectator's closed fist
• The "Essence" move to make a third ball appear in their hand
• The "Jumbo Ball" finale where everything joins into one giant ball
• Specific pocket setups to make sure you never fumble for a prop

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a table to do this?
No. This routine was designed specifically for "cocktail magic." Everything happens in your hands or the spectator's hands, so you can do it while standing in the middle of a room.

What props do I need to buy?
You will need a standard deck of cards, four regular-sized sponge balls, one jumbo sponge ball, and a finger ring (your own or a borrowed one).

Can I do this if I have small hands?
Yes. Sponge balls are squishy, so you can compress them. Xulio shows you exactly how to "pinch" and "compress" the balls so they stay hidden regardless of your hand size.

How long does it take to learn?
You can understand the steps in about 45 minutes. However, you should spend a few days practicing the pocket transitions in front of a mirror to make sure you aren't "telegraphing" when you're reaching for the next ball.