Basic Concealments
Why Your Hands Look Stiff When Hiding a Sponge
You’re hiding a sponge ball in your hand, but it feels like you’re holding a golf ball. Your hand looks like a stiff "claw," and you’re worried the audience can see the red foam peeking through your fingers. If your hand doesn't look relaxed, people will know you're hiding something.
How to Shrink a Sponge Ball
This lesson shows you how to handle sponges differently than coins or cards. Since sponges are soft, you can shrink them down to almost nothing. You'll learn how to "fold" the ball into a tiny space using specific pressure points. This lets you keep your hand in a "Ramsay display"—a position where your hand looks totally empty even though you're hiding a prop.
You’ll also learn a move called the "Squash." This is a way to rest your hand flat on the table while still keeping the ball hidden. Most people mess this up because the ball expands the moment their hand touches the table. Xulio shows you how to swap the pressure from your fingers to the table so the ball stays flat and invisible the whole time.
About Xulio Merino
Xulio Merino is the magician who fooled Penn & Teller with a professional sponge ball routine. He is known for taking simple props and inventing new techniques that make the magic look impossible and natural.
What You'll Learn
- How to fold a sponge ball to its smallest possible size
- Using the proximal crease for a secure and hidden finger palm
- The "pressure point swap" to move balls without them expanding
- How to rest your hand naturally on a table using the Squash
- The secret to moving a squashed ball back into a finger palm
- How to make your hands look empty while you're actually "loaded"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hard to learn?
The moves are simple, but you'll need to practice the "swap" until it feels smooth. It’s more about coordination than finger speed.
Do I need special props?
Any standard sponge balls will work. Softer sponges are usually a bit easier to compress when you're first starting out.
What skill level is this for?
This is for beginners who want to start with the right habits. It’s also great for experienced magicians who want their sponge work to look less "clunky."
How long does it take to learn?
You can understand the mechanics in about 10 minutes. You'll want to practice in front of a mirror for a few days to make sure your hand looks relaxed and natural.