BALL GAME

Abstract

One example embodiment includes a method of playing a game. The method includes a first team obtaining possession of a ball, where the ball is approximately spherical in shape, and the first team attempting to advance the ball to a predetermined goal. The method also includes the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal and a second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports are a popular recreational activity. They are an activity which can both entertain and increase the health of both players and spectators. Football and baseball, in particular, are two sports that are extremely popular. They both have numerous professional, amateur, collegiate, high school and other leagues with groups of players coming together to play with and against one another.

However, both sports have drawbacks. Football is a high impact sport and many parents worry about their children suffering injury when playing. In addition, the football is a unique shape. Therefore, it is difficult for players who are used to other sports to adapt. I.e., the ball must be thrown and caught using different motions that are used for a game which uses a more conventional spherical ball. In addition, the action can sometimes be slower than desired by spectators. In particular, the difficulty in completing a pass over long distances means that the action tends to occur in smaller distances, increasing the time between scoring and decreasing the total score.

Baseball additionally suffers from a slow pace and low scores. In addition, there is little interaction between opposing teams during a game of baseball. In particular, the typical action of a player involves interaction with the ball rather than interaction with other players. I.e., it lacks the physical contact that makes other sports popular.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a ball game which combines the most popular aspects of both games. In addition, there is a need in the art for the ball game to overcome the drawbacks of both football and baseball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One example embodiment includes a method of playing a game. The method includes a first team obtaining possession of a ball, where the ball is approximately spherical in shape, and the first team attempting to advance the ball to a predetermined goal. The method also includes the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal and a second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

Another example embodiment includes a method of playing a game. The method includes a first team obtaining possession of a ball, where the ball is approximately spherical in shape, and the first team attempting to advance the ball. Advancing the ball includes moving the ball beyond a predetermined distance or moving the ball beyond a predetermined goal. The ball is moved by a ball carrier from the first team running the ball or throwing the ball to a teammate. The method also includes a second team attempting to stop the first team from advancing the ball by obtaining possession of the ball or tackling the ball carrier. The method further includes the first team being provided an additional attempt to advance the ball if the first team was successful in moving the ball beyond the predetermined distance in a set number of plays. The method additionally includes the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal and a second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

Another example embodiment includes a method of playing a game. The method includes providing a field for playing the game. The field measures approximately 360 feet in length and approximately 160 feet in width. The method also includes designating the last 30 feet on either end of the length of the field as an end zone. A first team is assigned a first end zone and a second team is assigned a second end zone, where the second end zone is opposite the first end zone. The method further includes providing a set of uprights centered on an end line along the edge of the width of the field. The method additionally includes the first team obtaining possession of a ball, where the ball is approximately spherical in shape, and the first team attempting to advance the ball. Advancing the ball includes moving the ball beyond a predetermined distance, moving the ball beyond a predetermined goal or throwing the ball through the set of uprights located in the second end zone. The ball is moved by a ball carrier from the first team running the ball or throwing the ball to a teammate, where the teammate catches the ball in a catching apparatus. The method also includes a second team attempting to stop the first team from advancing the ball by obtaining possession of the ball or tackling the ball carrier. The method further includes the first team being provided an additional attempt to advance the ball if the first team was successful in moving the ball beyond the predetermined distance in a set number of plays. The method additionally includes the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal and a second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a field for playing a game;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a ball which can be used for playing a game;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a catching apparatus which can be used to catch the ball; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for game play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a field 100 for playing a game. In at least one implementation, the field 100 is of sufficient size to allow the players to play the game. In particular, the field 100 can allow sufficient space to allow the game action, as described below. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the size and shape of the field 100 can be modified as desired in order to accommodate the game. For example, the field 100 can be similar in size and shape to a football field. Football is played on a field 360 by 160 feet (120.0 by 53.3 yards; 109.7 by 48.8 meters). The longer boundary lines are sidelines, while the shorter boundary lines are end lines. Sidelines and end lines are out of bounds. Near each end of the field is a goal line; they are 100 yards (91.4 m) apart. A scoring area called an end zone extends 10 yards (9.1 m) beyond each goal line to each end line. The end zone includes the goal line but not the end line. While the playing field is effectively flat, it is common for a field to be built with a slight crown—with the middle of the field higher than the sides—to allow water to drain from the field.

FIG. 1 shows that the field 100 can include lateral lines 102. In at least one implementation, the lateral lines 102 can indicate the distance to the nearest end zone. In particular, the lateral lines 102 can indicate to the players the distance from the lateral line 102 to the nearest end zone. For example, the yard lines can cross the field every 5 yards (4.6 m). Additionally or alternatively, the lateral lines 102 can be numbered every 10 yards from each goal line to the 50-yard line, or midfield.

FIG. 1 also shows that the filed can include two rows of short lines 104, known as inbounds lines or hash marks, run at 1-yard (91.4 cm) intervals perpendicular to the sidelines near the middle of the field. All plays start with the ball on or between the lines 104. The lines 104 can ensure that play always begins near the middle of the field. In particular, the lines 104 can be used as a marker to ensure that if the previous play ended at or near the sideline that the current play begins closer to the middle of the field.

In at least one implementation, the field 100 can include one set of uprights 106 at the back of each end zone. The uprights 106 can include two vertical posts connected by a crossbar at the bottom or can include an approximately spherical shape perpendicular to the playing field. The uprights can be separated different distances for different skill levels. For example, for high skill levels, the posts can be 18 feet 6 inches (5.64 m) apart. For lower skill levels, the distance can be widened to 23 feet 4 inches (7.11 m). Additionally or alternatively, the crossbar can be placed at any desired height. For example, the crossbar can be 10 feet (3.05 m) from the ground.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a ball 200 which can be used for playing a game. In at least one implementation, the ball 200 can be similar or identical to a baseball or similar ball. For example, the ball 200 can include a rubber or cork center, wrapped in yarn. The ball 200 can be caught and thrown by players during a game, as discussed below.

FIG. 2 shows that the ball 200 can include a cover 202. In at least one implementation, the cover 202 can form the outer layer of the ball 200. For example, the cover 202 can include leather, in a similar manner to a baseball. The cover 202 can include two pieces which are similar in size and shape. The pieces of the cover 202 can be narrow in the middle and rounded at the ends. The pieces of the cover can, when combined, cover the entire ball 200.

FIG. 2 shows that the ball 200 can include stitching 204 along the cover 202. In at least one implementation, the stitching 204 can secure the two pieces of the cover 202 to one another. For example the stitching 204 can include 108 double stitches (216 total stitches) evenly spaced along the junction between the two pieces of the cover 202.

In at least one implementation, the ball 200 can be of any desired size. For example, in a matter similar to baseball, different sizes can be used for different skill levels. For example, the ball 200 can weigh between 5 and 5¼ ounces (142 and 149 g), and be 9 to 9¼ inches (229-235 mm) in circumference (2⅞-3 inches or 73-76 mm in diameter). Additionally or alternatively, the ball 200 can weigh between 6¼-7.00 ounces (177 and 199 g), and be approximately 11 inches (279 mm) in circumference (3.5 inches or 89 mm in diameter), similar to a fast pitch softball. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the ball 200 can be of other different sizes and weights, as desired. As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a catching apparatus 300 which can be used to catch the ball. In at least one implementation, the catching apparatus 300 can be used to protect the hand of the player catching the ball. For example, the catching apparatus 300 can include padding or other material which will soften the blow imparted by the ball to the hand of the player. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the catching apparatus 300 can be similar to a baseball glove.

FIG. 3 shows that the catching apparatus 300 can include one or more fingers 302. In at least one implementation, the fingers 302 can be placed over the hand of the player. In particular, the fingers 302 can be made of leather or other material which protects the hand of the player. I.e., the fingers 302 can include a material which absorbs the shock of the ball hitting the catching apparatus 300. The force is then spread out over the hand and wrist of the user, rather than localized at the point of impact.

FIG. 3 also shows that the catching apparatus 300 can include a webbing 304. In at least one implementation, the webbing 304 is placed between the first finger and the thumb, creating a pocket. The pocket is used to capture the ball during a catch. In particular, the player can wrap his/her fingers around the ball as it enters the pocket. The player can then unwrap his/her fingers, revealing the ball.

Example of Game Play

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 400 for game play. In at least one implementation, the method 400 is similar to the game play of football, with some important differences, as described below. In at least one implementation, the game play can occur on the field 100 of FIG. 1 and use the ball 200 of FIG. 2 and the catching apparatus 300 of FIG. 3. Therefore, the method 400 will be described, exemplarily, with reference to the field 100 of FIG. 1 and use the ball 200 of FIG. 2 and the catching apparatus 300 of FIG. 3. Nevertheless, one of skill in the art can appreciate that the method 400 can be used with a field and equipment other than the field 100 of FIG. 1 and use the ball 200 of FIG. 2 and the catching apparatus 300 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows that the method 400 includes the first team taking possession 402. In at least one implementation, the first team attempts to score and the second team attempts to prevent the first team from scoring when the first team has possession and the roles are reversed when the second team has possession. The first team to take possession can be determined in any desired manner. For example, the game can begin with a coin toss to determine which team will take possession to begin the game and which goal each team will defend. The winning team can select from several options. For example, the winning team can select whether to take possession to begin the first half or the second half of game play, which goal to defend, or defer the first choice to the other team. Whatever the first team chooses, the second team has the option on the other choice (for example, if the first team elects to receive at the start of the game, the second team can decide which goal to defend). A referee can conduct the coin toss with the captains (or sometimes coaches) of the opposing teams.

In at least one implementation, the teams send players onto the field 100 before each play. For example, each team can have 11 players on the field at a time. However, teams may substitute for any or all of their players during the breaks between plays. As a result, players have can very specialized roles and can be divided into offensive and defensive units.

FIG. 4 also shows that the method 400 includes the first team attempting to advance the ball 404. In at least one implementation, the ball can be put into play by a snap or other movement which indicates the beginning of play. For example, offensive players can line up facing defensive players at the line of scrimmage (the position on the field where the play begins). One offensive player, the center, then passes (or “snaps”) the ball backwards between his legs to a teammate behind him, usually the quarterback.

In at least one implementation, the first team can attempt to advance the ball 404 by running with the ball, also known as rushing. Additionally or alternatively, the first team can attempt to advance the ball 404 by throwing the ball to a teammate, known as a pass or as passing the ball 200, who attempts to catch the ball 200 in his/her catching apparatus 300. If the pass is thrown down-field, it is known as a forward pass. The offense can throw the ball forward only once during a down and only from behind the line of scrimmage. However, the ball can be handed-off to another player or thrown, pitched, or tossed sideways or backwards (a lateral pass) at any time.

In at least one implementation, a down ends, and the first team cannot attempt further advancement of the ball 200, and the ball 200 becomes dead, after any of the following: the player with the ball 200 is forced to the ground (a tackle) or has his forward progress halted by members of the other team (as determined by an official); a forward pass flies beyond the dimensions of the field (out of bounds) or touches the ground before it is caught (known as an incomplete pass with the ball 200 returned to the most recent line of scrimmage for the next down; the ball 200 or the player with the ball 200 goes out of bounds; or a team scores, as described below. Officials can blow a whistle or otherwise indicate to player's the end of play when the down is over.

In at least one implementation, before each down, each team can choose a play, or coordinated movements and actions, which the players should follow on a down. The players can convey the information to one another through visual or audible signals. Additionally or alternatively, the players can “huddle” with one another and discuss the play to be run.

FIG. 4 further shows that the method 400 can include determining whether the ball 200 was advanced 406. In at least one implementation, the first team has four attempts, called downs, in which to advance the ball 200 at least 10 yards (9.1 m) toward their opponent's (the second team's) end zone. When the offense succeeds in gaining at least 10 yards, it gets a first down, meaning the team starts a new set of four downs to gain yet another 10 yards or to score. Additionally or alternatively, the ball 200 can be advanced less than 10 yards if the line of scrimmage on first down was less than 10 yards from the second team's goal line.

FIG. 4 additionally shows that the method 400 can include determining if the first team scored 408. In at least one implementation, the first team can score in a number of different ways. For example, a touchdown is scored when a player runs the ball 200 into or catches a pass in his opponent's end zone. I.e., a touchdown is scored any time a player has possession of the ball 200 while any part of the ball 200 is beyond the vertical plane created by the leading edge of the opponent's goal line stripe (the stripe itself is a part of the end zone). A touchdown can be worth a predetermined number of points to the scoring team. E.g., a touchdown can be worth 10 points.

Additionally or alternatively, the first team can score a field goal. In at least one implementation, a field goal is scored by advancing the ball 200 through the uprights 106 defended by the second team. For example, the ball 200 can be thrown through the uprights 106. Although the uprights 106 only extend a finite distance into the air, the field goal is good if the officials determine that it would have passed between the uprights, if they extended to an infinite height. A field goal can be worth a predetermined number of points. For example, a field goal can be worth 4 points.

In at least one implementation, the second team can score even on a play in which the first team initially had possession. For example, if the second team takes possession of the ball 200 before the play ends, the second team can advance the ball 200 toward the first team's goal line and score a touchdown.

Additionally or alternatively, the second team can score through a safety. A safety, worth 2 points, is scored by a team when the team in possession at the end of a down possesses the ball 200 in their own end zone. For instance, a safety is scored by the second if a player from the first team is tackled, goes out of bounds, or fumbles the ball 200 out of bounds in his own end zone. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the first team can score a safety if a player of the second team gains possession of the ball 200 in front of his/her own goal line and then carries the ball 200 or fumbles it into his/her own end zone where it remains until the end of play on the down. However, if the ball 200 becomes dead behind the goal line of the team in possession and its opponent is responsible for the ball being there (for instance, if the second team intercepts a forward pass in its own end zone and the ball becomes dead before the ball is advanced out of the end zone) it is a touchback: no points are scored and the team last in possession keeps possession with a first down at its own 20 yard line.

FIG. 4 also shows that the method 400 includes possession changing to the second team 410 if either the ball was not advanced by the first team or the first team scored. In particular, possession changes to allow the opposing teams a chance to play both offense and defense. After possession changes the method 400 is repeated with the teams changing rules until game play is ended. I.e., the second team switches roles and is treated as the first team and the first team is treated as the second team.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that there are other methods by which possession can change to the second team 410. For example, a defensive player can catch a forward pass. This is called an interception, and the player who makes the interception can run with the ball 200 until he is tackled, forced out of bounds, or scores.

Additionally or alternatively, possession can change to the second team 410 if an offensive player drops the ball 200 (a fumble) and a defensive player picks it up. As with interceptions, a player recovering a fumble can run with the ball 200 until tackled, forced out of bounds, or scoring. Passes that are thrown either backwards or parallel with the line of scrimmage (lateral passes) that are not caught do not cause the down to end as incomplete forward passes do; instead the ball 200 is still live as if it had been fumbled. Lost fumbles and interceptions are together known as turnovers.

Additionally or alternatively, possession can change to the second team 410 if the first team misses a field goal attempt. The defensive team gets the ball 200 at the spot where the previous play began (or at the spot of the attempt). If the unsuccessful filed goal was attempted from within 20 yards (18.3 m) of the end zone, the other team can get the ball 200 at its own 20 yard line (that is, 20 yards from the end zone). If a field goal is missed or blocked and the ball 200 remains in the field of play, a defensive player may pick up the ball 200 and attempt to advance it.

Additionally or alternatively, possession can change to the second team 410 if, while in his own end zone, the player in possession of the ball 200 is tackled, forced out of bounds, loses the ball out of bounds, or the offense commits certain fouls in the end zone.

Additionally or alternatively, possession can change to the second team 410 if an offensive ball carrier fumbles the ball 200 forward into the opposing end zone, and then the ball 200 goes out of bounds. This leads to a touchback, with the ball 200 going over to the opposing team at their 20 yard line.

In at least one implementation, fouls (a rule violation) are punished with penalties against the offending team. Most penalties result in moving the ball 200 towards the offending team's end zone. If the penalty would move the ball 200 more than half the distance towards the offender's end zone, the penalty becomes half the distance to the goal instead of its normal value.

Most penalties result in replaying the down. Some defensive penalties give the offense an automatic first down. Conversely, some offensive penalties result in loss of a down (loss of the right to repeat the down). If a penalty gives the offensive team enough yardage to gain a first down, they get a first down, as usual. The only penalty that results in points is if a team on offense commits a certain fouls, such as holding, in its own end zone, which results in a safety.

If a foul occurs during a down (after the play has begun), the down can be allowed to continue with an official throwing a yellow penalty flag or otherwise indicating a foul, near the spot of the foul. When the down ends, the team that did not commit the foul has the option of accepting the penalty, or declining the penalty and accepting the result of the down.

In at least one implementation, a standard game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a 12-minute half-time intermission after the second quarter. A down (play) that begins before time expires is allowed to continue until its completion, even after the clock reaches zero. The clock is also stopped after certain plays, therefore, a game can last considerably longer than indicated by the game clock. Other stoppages can occur as well. For example, TV timeouts are taken at certain intervals of the game to broadcast commercials outside of game action. If the game remains tied after the game clock has expired, play can continue until one of the teams scores or until a pre-determined amount of time has expired, according to the rules.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A method of playing a game, the method comprising:

a first team obtaining possession of a ball, wherein the ball is approximately spherical in shape;

the first team attempting to advance the ball to a predetermined goal;

the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal; and

a second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball has a circumference between 5 and 15 inches.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the ball has a circumference of approximately 11 inches.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein sufficient advancement includes advancing the ball 10 yards.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first team has four attempts to advance the ball.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined goal includes a goal line.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

the second team attempting to advance the ball to a second predetermined goal.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:

the second team being awarded points if the second team advances the ball beyond the second predetermined goal.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

the first team obtaining possession of the ball if the second team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

10. A method of playing a game, the method comprising:

a first team obtaining possession of a ball, wherein the ball is approximately spherical in shape;

the first team attempting to advance the ball, wherein advancing the ball includes: moving the ball beyond a predetermined distance; or moving the ball beyond a predetermined goal;

wherein the ball is moved by a ball carrier from the first team: running the ball; or throwing the ball to a teammate;

a second team attempting to stop the first team from advancing the ball by: obtaining possession of the ball; or tackling the ball carrier;

the first team being provided an additional attempt to advance the ball if the first team was successful in moving the ball beyond the predetermined distance in a set number of plays;

the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal;

the second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is performed on a field.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the field is approximately 360 feet long by 160 feet wide.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the predetermined goal is a goal line located 30 feet measured along the length of the field from the end of the field.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the first team is awarded 10 points if the first team advances the ball beyond the predetermined goal.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein advancing the ball further includes throwing the ball between a set of uprights.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first team is awarded 4 points if the first team throws the ball between the set of uprights.

17. A method of playing a game, the method comprising:

providing a field for playing the game, wherein the field measures: approximately 360 feet in length; and approximately 160 feet in width;

designating the last 30 feet on either end of the length of the field as an end zone;

wherein: a first team is assigned a first end zone; and a second team is assigned a second end zone, wherein the second end zone is opposite the first end zone;

providing a set of uprights centered on an end line along the edge of the width of the field;

the first team obtaining possession of a ball, wherein the ball is approximately spherical in shape;

the first team attempting to advance the ball, wherein advancing the ball includes: moving the ball beyond a predetermined distance; moving the ball into the second end zone; or throwing the ball through the set of uprights located in the second end zone;

wherein the ball is moved by a ball carrier from the first team: running the ball; or throwing the ball to a teammate, wherein the teammate catches the ball in a catching apparatus;

a second team attempting to stop the first team from advancing the ball by: obtaining possession of the ball; or tackling the ball carrier;

the first team being provided an additional attempt to advance the ball if the first team was successful in moving the ball beyond the predetermined distance within four attempts;

the first team being awarded points if the first team advances the ball into the second end zone;

the second team obtaining possession of the ball if the first team fails to advance the ball sufficiently.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing lines across the width of the filed at intervals on the field.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the intervals are 10 yards.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising number each line with the distance in yards to the nearest end zone.