Abstract: A grip enhanced substantially spherical sports ball is disclosed which includes a plurality of recesses on the exterior surface of the ball separated from one another by a network of interconnected ridges. Each recess has a polygonal open side at the exterior surface of the ball and a wall converging from the open side to a bottom wall. Each ridge in the network has a narrow outer surface. The enhanced grip allows players to dribble, pass and shoot basketballs more accurately and for longer distance.

Abstract: A grip enhanced football is disclosed which includes a plurality of recesses on the exterior surface of the ball separated from one another by a network of interconnected ridges. Each recess has a polygonal open side at the exterior surface of the ball and a wall converging from the open side to a bottom wall. Each ridge in the network has a narrow outer surface. The enhanced grip allows the ball to be thrown, punted and placed-kicked more accurately and for longer distance.

Abstract: The longitudinal extent of a football is circumscribed with contrasting indicia so that upon rotation of the ball about substantially the longitudinal axis, a first visually distinctive image is produced. When the ball rotates about substantially a transverse axis, a second visually distinctive image is produced. The indicia is of such form that it does not protrude substantially from the surface of the ball and does not adversely affect the normal flight and gripping of the ball.