Animation Principle #1: Squash and Stretch

I used squash and stretch for more than just bouncing. Here, he stretches up to see the poster better and to show his interest. This principle is important for physics, but also good for expressing emotion, especially with the limited objects available.

Animation Principle #2: Staging

In this part of the story, the ball is quite literally on a stage, which makes this principle fairly easy to identify. He is the center of attention, the spotlight is turned toward him, and it's very clear to the audience where they are intended to look.

Animation Principle #3: Anticipation

In the final part of the story, the ball squashes himself nearly flat. The audience knows that he will jump eventually, but doesn't know when, and he slowly flattens for nearly 2 seconds, building up to the big moment.