Abstract: An actuating device for the playing figures of a ball game apparatus is disclosed and includes a box viewable from above in which transverse rods, each carrying at least one playing figure, are journalled. The rod section carrying the playing figure(s) has an axially fixed handle externally of the box and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis as well as also movable in its longitudinal direction. Each handle is rotatably journalled on the associated transverse rod and each transverse rod is coupled through a coupling that is actuated by its handle. The coupling includes a rotary drive that rotates the rod over a predetermined rotational angle and includes a brake that arrests at about the end of a complete revolution.