Receiving, connecting and imparting.

The hardness of the receiving arm determines the amount of bounce: the harder the arm, the more bounce and the less connectivity. Push hands is about connectivity, balance, relaxation and root. The ball is a great practice toy, similar but unlike a real person's arm attempting to penetrate your personal space.

 The great benefit to t'ai chi is we  can apply its principles to any activity...especially one that is as much fun as wall boxing with sort of squash rules!