For those mass producing balls this weekend... we have had really great luck using this template and one preformed ring.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=72781
For the most part it has taken the guesswork out of weaving the fifth and sixth strip. We have been able to have one group weave the 5 strips flat and stage them for the final ball weavers. Attaching the ring to the strips is almost intuitive at that point, tuck the outermost strips to the inside or the ring while curving it into a bowl shape. Slide the ring down to hold them in place. Then cross the new outside strips inside the other strips.
Once the five strips are interlocked with the sixth hoop, it forms a uniquely shaped hat that our students cannot seem to resist putting on their heads. (I should go to our website and see if I can link a photo here...
maybe I'll come back to it) So once you pry the ball-helmet from their heads you can start with any strip and attach its ends. It does take a little care to close the other 4 to make sure to maintain the over-under proces, but since the strips are locked together by the bottom half of the ball, it is easier to get them all tucked end to end and verify the pattern before completing sealing the ends.
Both methods of weaving work, I know, but for some reason, when we switched from the "do three and the rest one at a time" method to the "weave five and one" method, it has seemed more repeatable by more of our team. So if you get to a point where they say "we can't do this!" try the alternative method. And good luck!