Since one hand does all of the throwing, great speed is required to get the last ball into the air before the first one has come down to be caught. The more professional way of juggling is called cascading, crisscrossing objects alternately by throwing them up and catching them using both hands in symmetrical fashion. Another form of juggling, for which there is no standard term, might be called pairing. Here half the objects are juggled separately by each hand, in an alternating rhythm that creates the illusion that the objects interweave. Because of the natural rhythms of the two patterns, pairing is normally used for juggling an even number of objects, while cascading is used for an odd number.
Many jugglers use one system exclusively.
Thus, a pairing juggler who can juggle six objects would increase the number by going directly to eight. In addition to the various juggling systems, different types of objects require special efforts. Hoops are generally considered the easiest objects to juggle in large numbers because it is relatively easy to stop the action by thrusting ones hands and arms through the hoops, whereas ending by catching five balls in each hand is in itself difficult. Sticks and clubs need to be handled by the proper ends, thus requiring a set number of rotations in the air, and clubs are so wide that special care is necessary to avoid midair collisions. Plates generally are pair juggled because their rims make them easier to catch with the bowl side of the plate consistently towards the inside so the fingers can properly grasp the rims.