Making Three Balls Travel to a Spectator's Hand

You'll be able to make three sponge balls travel one by one from your hands into a friend's closed fist. It starts with a sequence where you pull "invisible" balls out of the air and ends with a finish they can actually feel happening in their own palm. By the time they open their hand, all three balls have arrived.

How the Lesson is Structured

The lesson is split into four parts. You'll start with a full performance so you can see the rhythm and timing. Then, Xulio walks you through the 10-minute main tutorial. He explains the history of "across" routines and why this version works so well. Finally, he provides two "detail" videos that zoom in on the specific finger movements for the productions and the transfers.

What's the Difficulty?

This routine is rated a 42 out of 100 for difficulty. It's perfect if you already know the basics of handling a sponge ball but want something more professional. You'll need to practice the finger palm and a shuttle pass. The most challenging part is the "nerve" required to handle the invisible ball at the start, but Xulio shows you how to keep your hands looking natural so nobody suspects a thing.

About Xulio Merino

Xulio is known for reinventing sponge ball magic with modern techniques. He famously fooled Penn & Teller on their show Fool Us using his original sponge ball moves. He’s an expert at taking a simple prop and making it look like a high-level miracle.

The Moves You'll Learn for Three Plus One Across

• The "Ball Essence" Production — How to produce three balls from thin air using one hidden ball.
• The Shuttle Pass — A natural way to switch or show balls while keeping one hidden.
• The Shadow Pass — A deceptive move used to load balls into the spectator's hand.
• Vernon-Style False Transfer — A classic move adapted for sponges to make a ball "vanish."
• The Spectator Load — How to safely put two balls into their hand so they think they only have one.
• The "Always 3" Transition — How to set yourself up to go straight into your next routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to watch the videos in order?
Yes. Start with the performance to see the "why," then watch the main tutorial. Use the detail videos once you’re ready to polish the specific moves.

How many sponge balls do I need?
You need four standard sponge balls for this routine. If you want to follow Xulio's advice and transition into "Always 3," you'll want a fifth ball in your pocket.

Can I do this while standing up?
Yes. Xulio explains how to load the extra ball from your back pocket while standing, or from behind your knee if you are sitting down.

What if I'm not good at palming yet?
Xulio suggests a "beginner" version in the tutorial. You can start with the three balls already on the table and skip the invisible production until you feel more confident with your palms.