Make the Magic Happen in Their Hands

You'll learn how to secretly add extra sponge balls into a person's hand so they think they only have one. When they open their fist and see two or three balls, it feels like real magic because they were the ones holding them the whole time. You'll also learn exactly what to do when a spectator tries to "catch" you or won't follow instructions.

How This Lesson Works

The teaching is broken down into four parts. First, you'll look at the theory of how to interact with people's hands without being awkward. Then, Xulio teaches two specific methods for "loading" the balls: one using an extra ball and one where you start with only two. The final section covers the psychology of handling kids and skeptics so your routine never falls apart.

What’s the Difficulty?

This is intermediate magic. You don't need to be a pro, but you do need to know how to "finger palm" a sponge ball (holding it hidden in your fingers). The moves themselves are simple, but the timing takes some practice. You’ll need to work on talking and moving at the same time so the spectator doesn't notice the extra ball entering their hand.

About Xulio Merino

Xulio Merino is the man Penn Jillette called the "Shin Lim of Sponge Balls." He famously fooled Penn & Teller on their show Fool Us by reinventing how sponge ball magic is done. He specializes in making simple props look impossible.

How to Add Balls and Manage the Crowd

• The "Put it on Your Hand" addition for using an extra ball
• The "Take It" gesture to load a ball when you don't have an extra one
• How to use the table to make a spectator squeeze their fist tighter
• The "Challenge" method for handling skeptics and drunks
• How to use both of a child's hands to make sure they don't drop the balls
• Ways to structure your routine so the strongest magic happens in their hands
• How to use a "parenthesis of forgetfulness" to hide the secret move

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the spectator opens their hand too early?
Xulio shows you how to use specific instructions and "challenges" to make sure they keep their hand squeezed shut until the very last second.

Do I need special sponge balls for this?
No. You can use any standard sponge balls you already own. These techniques work with any size or brand.

Is this good for beginners?
If you can hold a sponge ball hidden in your hand, you can learn this. It’s the perfect next step once you’ve learned a basic vanish.

How long does it take to learn?
You can learn the mechanics of the "Put it on Your Hand" move in about ten minutes. Mastering the timing to do it in front of a real person usually takes a few days of practice in front of a mirror.