Ball

Balls are objects typically used in games. They are usually hollow and spherical but can be other shapes, such as ovoid or solid. In most games using balls, the play of the game follows the state of the ball as it is hit, kicked or thrown by players. Balls can also be used for more simple activities, such as, Catch, Marbles and Juggling. Balls made from hard-wearing metal are used in engineering applications to provide frictionless bearings, known as ball bearings. Although lots of balls are today made from rubber, this form was unknown outside the Americas until after the voyages of Columbus. The Spanish were the first to see bouncing rubber balls which were employed most remarkably in the Mesoamerican ballgame. Balls used in various sports in other parts of the world prior to Columbus were made from other materials such as animal bladders or skins, stuffed with various materials.