Animator how-to

How to Animate a Bouncing Ball

The bouncing ball teaches timing and spacing.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

The bouncing ball teaches timing and spacing. In short: set; adjust; add, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Set keyframes for the high and low points.

  2. Adjust timing for weight.

  3. Add squash on impact and stretch in fast motion.

  4. Space frames closer at the top.

  5. Decrease bounce height over time.

  6. Review and refine arcs.

Safety reminders for animators

  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Take screen breaks
  • Manage crunch to avoid burnout
  • Respect intellectual property

Keyframe · In-betweens · Rigging · Modeling · Texturing · Rendering: see the full animator glossary.

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