Bouncing Ball

Step 1
First, create a new movie name your first layer "ball". Choose the Oval Tool with an the outline set to none, and whatever color you would like your ball. I used a gradient for mine. Position the ball toward the top of the stage. Make sure to Convert it to a symbol (graphic) by hitting F9 & giving it a name.

Step 2
Next, create a new keyframe by pressing F6 at frames 12, 15, 18, & 30. The reason we use so many is to give the ball a more realistic bounce that I will explain shortly

Step 3
Now, select frame 1 again and right-click and choose Create Motion Tween. Select frame 12 and hold shift and drag the ball about half-way down the stage (holding shift while dragging makes sure you drag in a straight line).

Step 4
Now Create a Motion Tween from frame 12 to 15. Shift+drag the ball in frame 15 slightly down further than you did in frame 12. Now, go to Modify -> Transform -> Scale and shrink it slightly only from the top so you create an oval shape. This makes it look like it is actually bouncing. Tip: To help you line up the ball, turn on onion-skinning between frame 12 & 15. See below for help.

Step 5
Now we want to select frame 15 & Create a Motion Tween to frame 18. Drag the ball in frame 18 so it is lined up exactly where frame 13 is. Finally, create a motion tween between frames 18 & 30 and you now have a bouncing ball.

Step 6
To take it a step further we are going to create a shadow. To do this we are going to create a new layer named "shadow" and put it below our "ball" layer. Select the oval tool again and create a circle with a gradient starting with black in the center and white on the outside like below.

Step 7
Now, make sure to create a symbol of it and go Modify -> Transform -> Scale and make it about half the size it currently is. This will give the shadow impression. Make sure that your shadow is just under the lowest point that the ball drops to.

Step 8
Next, create Keyframes at the same places as on the "ball" layer (frames 12, 15, 18, & 30). Create Motion Tweens between each keyframe as below.

Step 9
Finally, choose frame 1 and shrink it to about half the size it currently is. Repeat this on frame 30 and your animation is complete. Check out the Final product!