The Ten Count Routine

You have two sponge balls, but the trick is over too fast

You pull out a sponge ball, put it in a friend's hand, and it turns into two. It's a great moment, but then it's over. You're left standing there with no follow-up, and the "magic" feels like a quick stunt rather than a real performance.

A full routine that builds to a finish

This lesson teaches you the "Ten Count" routine. It's a classic sequence that turns two simple sponge balls into a full act. Instead of just one quick reveal, you use a rhythmic count from one to ten to make balls travel, multiply, and vanish.

The best part is that it relies on "perception" rather than difficult finger flicking. You'll use a specific move called the Vernon false transfer. Because one ball is always appearing right when you're stealing the other, the audience's eyes are always in the wrong place. You don't need perfect hands to pull this off; you just need to follow the rhythm. By the time you finish counting, you'll be ready to land the final surprise in the spectator's hand.

About Xulio Merino

Xulio is often called the "Shin Lim of Sponge Balls." He famously fooled Penn & Teller on their show Fool Us using his original sponge techniques. He specializes in taking simple props and making them look impossible through clever timing.

What You'll Learn

• How to "split" one sponge ball into two visibly
• The Tencau (Ten Count) rhythm and structure
• The Vernon false transfer specifically for sponges
• How to use the "appearance" of one ball to cover a secret steal
• The "backwards" count from ten to zero
• The "playground slide" move for moving balls across a table
• How to transition into a finale in the spectator's hand
• A bonus ending that uses ten balls for a massive production

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this routine hard to learn?
It’s rated at a 30 difficulty, which is perfect for beginners. Xulio explains that the misdirection is so strong that your technique doesn't have to be perfect to fool people.

Do I need special props?
You just need standard sponge balls. You can do the main routine with just two balls. If you want to do the big finale, you'll eventually want a set of ten.

How long will it take me to perform this?
The video is about 18 minutes long. You can understand the mechanics in one sitting. You'll likely want to spend an afternoon practicing the count so you can do it without thinking.

Can I do this standing up?
Yes. While Xulio demonstrates some parts on a table, he shows you how to manage the balls so you can perform this while standing and talking to friends.