I did ask about this in one of my threads talking about examinable props. This one is delicated to spongeballs only.

At the moment im practicing moves from

1) David Stone real secrets of magic vol 1(hope this doesnt count as advanced)
2) SPONGE - Jay Noblezada(Not quite the magician i wana learn though)

Still haven't got Mark Wilson's complete course in magic book yet.

I was wondering where did you people learn your moves when it comes to spongeball? Im very impressed by the magicians from World's greatest magic. They seem to be able to do a retention pass surrounded! My hands can't quite cover the whole spongeball such that i can move around naturally. Even Jay Noblezada seem to be able to do it surrounded.

Perharps it is something other resources might touch on? David Stone did credit quite a few people for the sponge routine he did. Any idea if they are any good or if they are accessible?

Before I watched any DVD on spongeballs, I started of learning those simple sleights for it, somewhere else. I kept practicing those standard moves until a day when I finally get to watch Noblezada sponge DVD.

I personally felt that that particular DVD has provided anybody who wants to do sponge seriously, with enough resources. The moves, tips, angle. Just bear those tips he gave u in mind, you should do fine. As for those sleights, you just have to practice some of them. And yes, I feel that presentation is important for spongeballs routines too. So as when you need to do some dirty work, the talking can provide you sufficient misdirection.

As for performing when surrounded, I used to think that what if people at the side see I do a rentention and all. But fact is that till date, even if I am surrounded (of cause not from the back, side is fine), I am still able to rentain it well without people seeing it. After all they are sponge, you have to take advantage of it spongey-ness which allow you to compress them till so tiny. Unlike coins.

Important thing about doing sponge well is to do it confidently. Don't be afraid when you retain it. As long as you execute the move decently, you will do fine. In Jay's DVD itself one of the most important tips he gave you is to do it confidently too, trust him and you will understand what he mean.

I am sure in the DVD they did explain to you the size of the spongeballs available in the market today. Perhaps you would like to find those smaller spongeballs that will suit you hand.

I use a 1.5 inch and it's generally good for most people i think. I can do a retention okay with that. There's also a sponge ball book that i've seen before, though never read, so that might be one additional resource?

By the way, while i do like sponge ball magic, I have come across people who feel that sponge ball magic is quite stale. Personally, i do have a feeling there's limited stuff after a while for what you can do with sponge balls, though i have seen a Star sponge routine that totally rocked my socks off. So just wondering about your opinions?

Actually there are dozen of sponge ball/sponge bunny routines out there by many people. A simple search on any magic online shop should lead you to quite a few.

I think spongeball routines are wonderful. some may think they are childish, or too simple and straightforward, but spectators actually love them. And i trust my spectators to know a good trick when they see one.

My question is, which one do you prefer? Sponge balls or sponge rabbit? Which one do you think is stronger?

Zi An

I feel that we should never underestimate the power of spongeballs. It may look like a silly red sponge, childish and all. But imagine the very first time you see a spongeball jumping from the magician's hand to your hand, didn't that just blow you off? Plus you can make many jokes out of that red ball, such as saying its a clown nose and stuff. It is definitely a fun routine.

Very true indeed there are many sponge stuff out there, balls, rabbits duck etc. It is up to your creativity to see how you want your routine to be like. you could tell some duckling stories and stuff.

I used to do spongeballs very much, until I get my hand on spongerabbits. Maybe because my spongeballs routine is kinda long while the rabbit one is quicker. I just want something fast. However when I perform for kids, it is strage that many of them tell me they have seen the rabbits one before. I am not sure about you guys, maybe its just me.

The best i have seen by far is the Bird/Bunny Sponge by Daryl Fooler. More versitle than the rest, just as good effects. Only problem could be the lack of color and also the fact that it does look a little "cheapskate"

Nevertheless, great effects.

I have been using 1.5 inch spongeballs. Works well for me. A word of advice, don't wet your spongeballs cause it expands. Mine changed from a 1.5 to a 2 inch. Had to blow it dry to get it back. But wetting it does give it a good bounce. (I have no idea why would i want it to bounce either)

I seen the rabbit he used, its a 2D one. Look kinda plain true. No wonder you say cheapskate. I own this one is a 3D one. The colors are very good, they even have some brown spots on the rabbit to make it look more real.
This add more 'Life' to those sponge rabbits.
Of cause it cost more than those 2D ones.

how about the Sponge Balls (World's Greatest Magic) - DVD ?i saw the performance and find it very amazing by the class magicians

In the end i decided to learn the routine by Bill Malone. He is pretty much one of the world greatest as well.

He teaches his spongeball routine in his dvd "Here I Go Again" Vol. 1.

There is a move in it, similar to that of miser's dream, where spongeballs kept appearing. Although many here should already know the mechanics of it. This "move" is not touched on in "Sponge" by Jay.

What is the sponge magic where you give your audience a sponge ball and it multiply into a lot of sponge ball called ?

multiplying sponge ball .

No name for it. its part of a regular sponge ball routine.

You can do it with any sponge ball ?

If you really want to know, buy and learn from the proper teaching sources (eg. World Greatest Magic for Spongeballs from L&L). If you understand how spongeball magic works and the basics of it, you will know the idea of multiplying spongeballs.