Abstract:
A word game has a plurality of tennis balls bearing alpha-numeric characters, spaced apart uniformly on the spherical surface of the tennis balls, a support structure having a thickness, parallel upper and lower surfaces, and an arrangement of indentions configured to support individual tennis balls in a manner to primarily display one alphanumeric character on each ball placed, a mechanism enabling selection of one or more categories for words in a specific game, and a rule set for the specific game, in which athletic activities with the tennis balls may be a part of the rules, wherein the athletic activities may server to acquire balls by players or teams, or to define specific used of balls and characters on the balls in the game.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS 
       [0001]    The present invention is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending application Ser. No. 14/031,966, filed Sep. 19, 2013, which was filed claiming priority to provisional Patent Application (PPA) 61/704,902, filed Sep. 24, 2012. Accordingly priority is claimed for the present application to the filing date of PPA Ser. No. 61/704,902 for claims enabled in that PPA. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is in the technical field of games, and pertains more particularly to word games. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Word games are played by many people both young and old. A challenge of finding correct letters to spell words appeals to many players. Games such as Scrabble®, Scattergories®, and Boggle® are popular, but players may often desire a different game that offers different challenges. What is needed in the art is a game that provides a plurality of game pieces each having a plurality of letters that may be arranged to spell words. In some embodiments one or more categories may be provided on cards, such that the players may spell words that fit the categories. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment of the invention a word game is provided, comprising a plurality of tennis balls bearing alpha-numeric characters, spaced apart uniformly on the spherical surface of the tennis balls, a support structure having a thickness, parallel upper and lower surfaces, and an arrangement of indentions configured to support individual tennis balls in a manner to primarily display one alphanumeric character on each ball placed, a mechanism enabling selection of one or more categories for words in a specific game, and a rule set for the specific game, in which athletic activities with the tennis balls may be a part of the rules, wherein the athletic activities may server to acquire balls by players or teams, or to define specific used of balls and characters on the balls in the game. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment the alpha-numeric characters are in different colors or different fonts and colors an fonts are included as conditions in the rule set. Also in one embodiment indentions in the support structure are circular through-holes, the support structure has a specific thickness and the relationship of the diameter of the through holes to the thickness is such that a tennis ball placed over one of the through holes is supported entirely by the peripheral edge of the through-hole without the tennis ball touching a surface upon which the support structure rests. Still in one embodiment the support structure has a specific thickness, and the indentions are spherical in form without penetrating entirely through the thickness of the support structure. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment the arrangement of indentions is a Cartesian array having uniform rows and columns of indentions, and a number of indentions equal to or greater than 25. Also in one embodiment the rule set includes requirements for carrying out at least one physical task with the tennis balls in acquiring individual ones of the balls by an individual player or team. Still in one embodiment physical task involves throwing or catching a tennis ball by one or more players. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments the physical task involves rolling one or more tennis balls by one or more players of the game. Also in some embodiments the physical task involves throwing a tennis ball against a wall and catching it on a rebound by one or more players of the game. And in other embodiments the physical task involves determining by a result of the task with a tennis ball a particular character on the ball to be presented as a part of a word in the game. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates game pieces in an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a card in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a playing surface in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a timer in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “BASIC” rules. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “SIMPLE” rules. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “VANISHING” rules. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “MESSY” rules. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “STACKED” rules. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an arrangement of base and dependent words in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9C  illustrates a second arrangement of base and dependent words in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “SHRINKING” rules. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10B  illustrates another exemplary arrangement of base and dependent words in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “STICKY” rules. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of connected words in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “FRIENDLY” rules. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “GREEDY” rules. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “BRILLIANT” rules. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “CRAFTY” rules. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “SOPHISTICATED” rules. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “SILLY” rules. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18A  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “BACKWARDS” rules. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18B  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of words arranged in alphabetical order by last letter in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “FANCY” rules. 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “CLAPPING” rules. 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “DIABOLICAL” rules. 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “HUGE” rules. 
           [0037]      FIG. 23   d  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “SKINNY” rules. 
           [0038]      FIG. 24   d  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “HUNGRY” rules. 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  illustrates a method of playing a game in an embodiment of the invention using “TRIVIAL” rules. 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of game pieces spelling a word using letters of the same color in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of game pieces spelling a word using letters of the same font in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 28  illustrates tennis balls which may be used as game pieces in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 29  illustrates a mat used to hold tennis balls from  FIG. 1 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 30  illustrates tennis balls from  FIG. 1  arranged on a mat from  FIG. 2  spelling words. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a selection of game pieces  100  in an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments the game pieces  100  may be three dimensional pieces having four or more sides  102 . In some embodiments each game piece  100  may be a cube having six sides, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In alternate embodiments each game piece  100  may have a non-cubical shape, such as a tetrahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, cylinder, prism, or have any other desired shape. In other embodiments the game pieces  100  may be cards, tiles, or any other type of game piece. Each side  102  of each game piece  100  may display a letter of the alphabet  104 . In some embodiments each side  102  of each game piece  100  may display a different letter  104 . In other embodiments some sides  102  of a game piece  100  may display the same letter  104  as another side  102  of the same game piece  100  or a different game piece  100 . The selection of letters  104  for each game piece  100  may be random and/or varied such that at least some game pieces  100  have a different selection of letters  104  than other game pieces  100 . In alternate embodiments the game pieces  100  may be spheres or other ovoid shapes, and a plurality of letters  104  may be displayed at various points on the exterior of the game piece  100 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments one or more letters  104  and/or sides  102  on each game piece  100  may have different styles, such as different colors, fonts, and/or other characteristics. By way of a non-limiting example, a cube shaped game piece  100  may have two sides  102  with red letters  104 , two sides  102  with green letters  104 , and two sides  102  with blue letters  104 . In alternative embodiments all letters  104  and/or sides  102  may have the same style. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a card  106 . Each card  106  may display one or more categories  108  on a face of the card. In some embodiments each card  106  may display a single category  108 . In other embodiments each card  106  may display a plurality of categories  108 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some of these embodiments the plurality of categories  108  may be sorted and/or selected by difficulty, color, number, category type, and/or any other criteria. In some embodiments the difficulty of the various categories  108  may be color coded. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments a card  106  may display five categories  108 , with a “beginner” category  108  in orange, an “easy” category  108  in purple, a “medium” category  108  in blue, an “advanced” category  108  in green, and a “tricky” category  108  in black. In some embodiments categories  108  may be words such as nouns, adjectives, names, or any other type of word. By way of a non-limiting example,  FIG. 2  illustrates a card  106  with the categories: “Black Things,” “Sports Equipment,” “Things on a Map,” “Appliances,” and “Counties in this State.” In alternative embodiments categories  108  may be questions, pictures, colors, shapes, numbers, or any other type of category. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a playing surface  110 . The playing surface  110  may have one or more designated spaces  112 . In some embodiments one or more of the designated spaces  112  may be an indentation shaped such that one or more of the game pieces  100  may be inserted into the indentation. In other embodiments the designated spaces  112  may be outlined areas, apertures, slots, or any other space or region. 
         [0049]    Game pieces  100 , cards  106 , and/or playing surfaces  110  may be used together to play a game. In some embodiments the game pieces  100 , cards  106 , and/or playing surfaces  110  may be physical components. In alternate embodiments the game may be played as a video game, computer program, mobile application, internet game, social network game, or any other type of electronic game. In some of these embodiments the game pieces  100 , cards  106 , and/or playing surfaces  110  may be digital representations. In alternate embodiments some components may be physical and other components may be electronic. 
         [0050]    The game may be played by one or more players. In some embodiments a player may play with or against other players and/or computer opponents. In other embodiments players may be grouped into teams that may play with or against one another. In alternate embodiments a single player may play the game to attempt to get a high score or achieve other objectives. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments a plurality of game pieces may be provided to each player or team. In other embodiments each player or team may draw from a pool of game pieces. In some embodiments a plurality of cards may be provided in a deck. In other embodiments one or more cards may be provided to each player or team. In some embodiments there may be one playing surface  110  for each player or team. In other embodiments all players or teams may use the same playing surface  110 . In alternate embodiments the playing surface  110  may be absent, and players or teams may play the game on a table, floor, or any other surface. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments the game may be played by having each player or team select and/or move game pieces  100  with sides  102  that display letters  104  that spell out a word that fits a selected category  108  on a drawn card  106 . In some embodiments the game and/or individual rounds may have a time limit. In these embodiments a timer  114  may be provided, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The timer  114  may be a clock, sand timer, buzzer, or other timing device. In some embodiments players may attempt to spell out the most words using their game pieces  100  during a predetermined time period and/or number of rounds. In other embodiments game pieces  100  may be discarded as they are used, with the winning player being the player who discards the most game pieces  100  during a predetermined time period and/or number of rounds, or is the first player to discard all of his or her game pieces  100 . In still other embodiments other scoring systems and/or methods of determining a winner may be used. 
         [0053]    Several possible embodiments comprising different sets of rules for playing the game are described below. Each of the sets of rules described below has been given a title, however the titles are for reference only and are not intended to be limiting. Each set of rules is intended to be non-limiting, as in some embodiments elements of one set of rules may be combined or replaced with elements of another set of rules to play the game. 
       “Basic” Rules 
       [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may have 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell one or more words that fit into one or more categories  108  on the card. In some embodiments the players may position the game pieces on a surface such that the letters on the side  102  facing upward spell out the intended word. By way of a non-limiting example, in  FIG. 1  a player has positioned game pieces  100  to spell “RIVER,” which fits into the “Things on a Map” category  108  shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments players may spell one word for each category  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0055]    Players may earn a predetermined number of points for each word they spell correctly that fits into a category  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments other players may verify that words are correctly spelled and fit a category  108  before points are awarded. In some embodiments a dictionary may be consulted if players are unclear on whether a word is spelled correctly. In some embodiments players may vote on whether to accept another player&#39;s word if a player raises a question of whether the word meets fits within a category  108 . Players may play the game in this manner to earn enough points to meet or exceed a predetermined winning score. In some embodiments multiple rounds of selecting a card  106  and spelling words may be played in order to reach a predetermined winning score. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each correctly spelled word that meets a category  108  may be worth one point, and the winning score may be set at fifteen points, such that multiple rounds of selecting cards  106  with five categories  108  each and spelling words may be needed before a player reaches the winning score. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments there may be a predetermined time limit during which players attempt to spell words that meet categories  108  on a drawn card  106 , after which points are tallied and a new card  106  is drawn from the deck to begin a new round if no player has reached the winning score. By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of two minutes per round. In some embodiments players may re-use game pieces  100  that were used in previous rounds for each new round. 
       “Simple” Rules 
       [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. The cards  106  may have numbered or color coded categories  108 , and the players may choose which number or color category  108  to use. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the category  108  on the card  106  corresponding to the selected number or color to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell as many words as possible that fit into that category  108  during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of two minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. Each correctly spelled word may earn each player a predetermined amount of points for that round, after which a new card  106  is selected and new words are spelled with the same game pieces  100 . The players may play a predetermined number of rounds, with the winner being the player with the most points after the final round. 
       “Vanishing” Rules 
       [0058]      FIG. 7  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. Each card  106  in the deck may have numbered or color coded categories  108 . The players may agree on which number or color category  108  will be used. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell a word that fits into the category  108  of the number or color they selected. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0059]    When the first player that spells a word that fits the category  108  of the color the player selected, that spelling player may yell out the word and play stops. The word may be verified by the other players as being accurately spelled and appropriate for the category  108 . If the word is not spelled correctly or is not appropriate for the category  108 , play may resume and players may continue to attempt to spell words with their game pieces  100 . After a spelled word has been verified as accurate and appropriate, one or more game pieces  100  may be discarded by the spelling player depending on the length of the spelled word. In some embodiments the other players may add game pieces  100  if the spelled word was longer than a minimum number of letters  104 . By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments: for words with three or four letters  104 , the spelling player may discard one game piece  100 ; for words with five letters  104 , the spelling player may discard two game pieces  100 ; for words with six letters  104 , the spelling player may discard two game pieces  100  and the other players may each add one game piece  100 ; for words with seven letters  104 , the spelling player may discard three game pieces  100  and the other players may each add two game pieces  100 ; and for words with eight or more letters  104 , the spelling player may discard five game pieces  100  and the other players may each add two game pieces  100 . 
         [0060]    In some embodiments discarded game pieces  100  may be discarded from the beginning of the spelled word. By way of a non-limiting example, if a player spells the word “THROW,” the player may discard the two game pieces  100  at the front of the word: the game pieces  100  used for the letters “T” and “H.” After game pieces  100  have been discarded and/or added, a new card  106  may be drawn and players may attempt to spell a word fitting into the category  108  of their selected color with their remaining game pieces  100 . 
         [0061]    In some embodiments a player may exchange one or more of his or her game pieces  100  between rounds. In alternate embodiments a player may exchange all of his or her game pieces  100  between rounds. In some embodiments exchanging game pieces  100  may be performed when the player has less than a predetermined number of game pieces  100  remaining. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments a player may exchange all of his or her game pieces  100  when the player has eight or fewer game pieces  100  remaining. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments the winning player may be the first player with less than a predetermined number of game pieces  100  remaining. By way of a non-limiting example, the winner may be the first player with fewer than five game pieces remaining 100. 
       “Messy” Rules 
       [0063]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. Each card  106  in the deck may have numbered or color coded categories  108 . The players may agree on which number or color category  108  will be used. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell as many words as possible that fit into the category  108  of the number or color they selected during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of two minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0064]    At the end of each round, spelled words may be verified by the other players as being accurately spelled and appropriate for category  108 . After a spelled word has been verified as accurate and appropriate, one or more game pieces  100  may be discarded by the spelling player depending on the length of the spelled word. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments: for words with three, four, or five letters  104 , the spelling player may discard one game piece  100 ; for words with six or more letters  104 , the spelling player may discard two game pieces  100 . In some embodiments discarded game pieces  100  may be discarded from the beginning of the spelled word. By way of a non-limiting example, if a player spells the word “THROW,” the player may discard the game piece  100  at the front of the word: the game piece  100  used for the letter “T.” After the round has been completed and game pieces  100  have been discarded, the players may draw a new card  106  and play a new round. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments a player may exchange one or more of his or her game pieces  100  between rounds. In alternate embodiments a player may exchange all of his or her game pieces  100  between rounds. In some embodiments exchanging game pieces  100  may be performed when the player has less than a predetermined number of game pieces  100  remaining. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments a player may exchange all of his or her game pieces  100  when the player has eight or fewer game pieces  100  remaining. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments the winning player may be the first player with less than a predetermined number of game pieces  100  remaining. By way of a non-limiting example, the winner may be the first player with fewer than five game pieces remaining 100. 
       “Stacked” Rules 
       [0067]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. Each card  106  in the deck may have numbered or color coded categories  108 . The players may agree on which number or color category  108  will be used. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to create an arrangement of words during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of three minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0068]    The players may attempt to create an arrangement comprising a base word and dependent words that re-use the letters of the base word, such that the first letter of each dependent word is one of the letters of the base word. In some embodiments the base word may fit the selected category, while the base words may be any word. By way of a non-limiting example, for a category  108  that reads “States,” a player may use game pieces  100  to spell the base word “OREGON” and six dependent words that begin with the letters “O,” “R,” “E”, “G,” “O,” and “N” respectively, as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
         [0069]    In some embodiments the game pieces  100  of the base word may be positioned vertically when viewed from above, such that dependent words may extend horizontally to the right from the game pieces  100  of the base word. In alternate embodiments the game pieces  100  of the base word may be positioned horizontally when viewed from above, and the dependent words may extend vertically below the game pieces  100  of the base word. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments the winner of the game may be the player that spelled a base word with the highest number of letters, as long as each letter of the base word also has a dependent word with more than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, a player that plays the arrangement of game pieces shown in  FIG. 9B  may beat a player that plays the arrangement of game pieces shown in  FIG. 9C  because the base word “OREGON” in has more letters than the base word “OHIO.” In the event that two or more players spell base words with the same number of letters, the player who used the greatest number of game pieces  100  in his or her arrangement may prevail. 
       “Shrinking” Rules 
       [0071]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 30 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. Each card  106  in the deck may have numbered or color coded categories  108 . The players may agree on which number or color category  108  will be used. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to create an arrangement of words. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0072]    The players may attempt to create an arrangement comprising a base word and dependent words that re-use the letters of the base word, such that the first letter of each dependent word is one of the letters of the base word. In some embodiments the base word may fit the selected category, while the base words may be any word. By way of a non-limiting example, for a category  108  that reads “Months,” a player may use game pieces  100  to spell the base word “JULY” and four dependent words that begin with the letters “J,” “U,” “L”, and “Y” respectively, as shown in  FIG. 10B . 
         [0073]    In some embodiments the game pieces  100  of the base word may be positioned vertically when viewed from above, such that dependent words may extend horizontally to the right from the game pieces  100  of the base word. In alternate embodiments the game pieces  100  of the base word may be positioned horizontally when viewed from above, and the dependent words may extend vertically below the game pieces  100  of the base word. 
         [0074]    The first player to complete an arrangement of a base word and dependent words all meeting a predetermined minimum length may shout out the base word the player spelled and play may stop. The spelled base word may be verified by the other players as being accurately spelled and appropriate for the category  108 . After the spelled base word has been verified as accurate and appropriate, the spelling player may discard the game pieces  100  used in the shortest dependent word. By way of a non-limiting example, if the first player to complete an arrangement of a base word and dependent words spells the base word “JULY” as shown in  FIG. 10B , that player may discard the game pieces  100  used in the dependent word “LIP.” After the round has been completed and game pieces  100  have been discarded, the players may draw a new card  106  and play a new round. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments the winning player may be the first player with less than a predetermined number of game pieces  100  remaining. By way of a non-limiting example, the winner may be the first player with fewer than twelve game pieces remaining 100. 
       “Sticky” Rules 
       [0076]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to create an arrangement of words during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of four minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0077]    The words may each fit one of the categories  108  on the card  106 . The words may be connected to one another by one or more letters, such that at least letter of one word is re-used as a letter of a separate word. The connected words may be arranged vertically and horizontally when viewed from above. By way of a non-limiting example, the arrangement of words shown in  FIG. 11B  comprises words connected horizontally and vertically by at least one letter. 
         [0078]    In some embodiments the winner of the game and/or round may be the player who uses the most game pieces  100  in an arrangement of connected, correctly spelled words that each fit into a category  108  on the drawn card  106  within the predetermined time limit. 
       “Friendly” Rules 
       [0079]      FIG. 12  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell one or more words with the same number of letters that fit into one or more categories  108  on the card during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of three minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters and have the same number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters, and a player may choose to spell words all having four letters. In some embodiments the winner of the game and/or round may be the player that spells the greatest number of words of the same length within the predetermined time limit. By way of a non-limiting example, a player that spells four words each with three letters may beat a player that spells three words each with five letters. 
       “Greedy” Rules 
       [0080]      FIG. 13  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with five game pieces  100 . A plurality of auxiliary game pieces  100  may be provided in a pool that is accessible by all players. A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell one or more words that fit into one or more categories  108  on the card  100 . In some embodiments the words may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. When more than one word is spelled, the words may be connected to one another by one or more letters, such that at least letter of one word is re-used as a letter of a separate word. The connected words may be arranged vertically and horizontally when viewed from above. Once a word has been spelled by a player, the player may break up the word and re-use its game pieces  100  for new or longer words at any later point, as long as all words in the arrangement remain connected. 
         [0081]    When a player has zero game pieces  100  remaining after spelling one or more words, that player may add a predetermined number of game pieces  100  from the plurality of auxiliary game pieces  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments when a player runs out of game pieces  100  after spelling words, the player may add three game pieces  100 . After the player has added new game pieces  100 , the player may continue attempting to spell words that fit any of the categories  108  on the card  106 . If the players agree that no player may spell any more words that fit any of the categories  108  on the card  106 , the players may draw a new card  106  and attempt to spell words that fit any of the categories  108  on the new card  106 . 
         [0082]    In some embodiments the winner of the game and/or round may be the first player to acquire more than a predetermined number of game pieces and use them all to spell words that fit into the categories  108  on the drawn cards  106 . By way of a non-limiting example, the winning player may be the first player to acquire and use 20 game pieces  100 , with no game pieces  100  remaining. 
       “Brilliant” Rules 
       [0083]      FIG. 14  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into any one category  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0084]    After spelling words, players may place their spelled words into alphabetical order. In some embodiments the first player to spell more than a predetermined number of words that fit the same category  108  and place the spelled words into alphabetical order may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by drawing a new card  106 . The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, the first player during a round who spells four words that each fit the same category  108  and places those four spelled words into alphabetical order may earn one point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn five points. 
       “Crafty” Rules 
       [0085]      FIG. 15  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may individually select which category to use. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into their selected category  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters and have the same number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters, and a player may choose to spell words all having four letters. 
         [0086]    In some embodiments the first player to spell more than a predetermined number of equally long words that fit the same category  108  may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by drawing a new card  106 . The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, the first player during a round who spells four words of the same length that each fit the same category  108  may earn one point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn five points. 
       “Sophisticated” Rules 
       [0087]      FIG. 16  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into any one category  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters. 
         [0088]    The spelled words may each fit into the same category, and may be of increasing length, such that no word has the same number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, a player may select the category “Colors,” and the player may attempt to spell five words of increasing length that fit the category, such as “Red,” “Blue,” “Green,” “Yellow,” and “Fuchsia.” In some embodiments the player may place the words in order from shortest to longest. 
         [0089]    In some embodiments the first player to spell more than the predetermined number of words of increasing length that fit the same category  108  and places them in order may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by drawing a new card  106 . The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, the first player during a round who spells five words of increasing length that each fit the same category  108  may earn one point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn five points. 
       “Silly” Rules 
       [0090]      FIG. 17  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into one of the categories  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters and have the same number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters, and a player may choose to spell words all having four letters. 
         [0091]    The words may each fit the same category  108  on the card  106 . The words may be connected to one another by one or more letters, such that at least letter of one word is re-used as a letter of a separate word. The connected words may be arranged vertically and horizontally when viewed from above. 
         [0092]    In some embodiments the first player to spell more than a predetermined number of connected words of the same length that fit the same category  108  may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by drawing a new card  106 . The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, the first player during a round who spells five connected words of the same length that each fit the same category  108  may earn one point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn five points. 
       “Backwards” Rules 
       [0093]      FIG. 18A  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into one of the categories  108  on the card  106 . In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters. 
         [0094]    The spelled words may each fit the same category  108 . After the words are spelled, they may be placed in alphabetical order based on the last letter of each word. By way of a non-limiting example, the last letters of the words fitting the category “Food” in  FIG. 18B  are in alphabetical order from top to bottom. The winner may be the first player to spell more than a predetermined number of words and place them in alphabetical order by last letter. By way of a non-limiting example, the winner may be the first player to spell five words that all fit the same category and arrange those five words in alphabetical order by last letter. 
       “Fancy” Rules 
       [0095]      FIG. 19  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into each different category  108  on the card  106 . Each word may have either the same number of syllables, vowels, or letters. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters. 
         [0096]    In some embodiments the first player to spell more than a predetermined number of words having either the same number of syllables, vowels, or letters that each fit into a different category  108  on the card  106  may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by drawing a new card  106 . The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, the first player during a round who spells five words of the same number of syllables, vowels, or letters that each fit into a different category  108  may earn one point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn five points. 
       “Clapping” Rules 
       [0097]      FIG. 20  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that fit into a single category  108  on the card  106 . Each word may have the same number of syllables. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may need to be at least three letters. 
         [0098]    In some embodiments the first player to spell more than a predetermined number of words having the same number of syllables that each fit into the same category  108  on the card  106  may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by drawing a new card  106 . The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, the first player during a round who spells four words of the same number of syllables that each fit into the same category  108  may earn one point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn five points. 
       “Diabolical” Rules 
       [0099]      FIG. 21  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell as many words as possible that fit into different categories  108  during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of three minutes per round. Each word may have a different number of vowels or letters. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0100]    In some embodiments if a player spells a word for each category  108  on the card  106  before the time limit expires, and each word has a different number of vowels or letters, that player may be declared the winner. If no player has completed a word for each category when the time limit expires, the player with the most correctly spelled words in different categories with different numbers of vowels or letters may be declared the winner. 
       “Huge” Rules 
       [0101]      FIG. 22  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell as many words as possible during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of three minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0102]    In some embodiments each correctly spelled word may earn points depending on the length of the word. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments: words with three letters may be worth one point; words with four letters may be worth two points; words with five letters may be worth three points; words with six letters may be worth four points; words with seven letters may be worth five points; words with eight letters may be worth six points; words with nine letters may be worth seven points; words with ten letters may be worth ten points; and words with eleven or more letters may be worth fifteen points. The winner of a game and/or round may be the player with the most points. 
       “Skinny” Rules 
       [0103]      FIG. 23  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 20 game pieces  100 . A deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players. Each card  106  in the deck may have numbered or color coded categories  108 . In some embodiments the players may agree on which two numbered or colored categories  108  will be used. In other embodiments any number of numbered or colored categories may be agreed upon. A player may take a card  106  from the deck and read and/or display the categories  108  on the card  106  to the other players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words for each of the selected categories. In some embodiments each word may be longer than a predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have at least three letters. 
         [0104]    When a player believes he or she has spelled a word for each of the selected categories, play may stop. The words may be verified by the other players as being accurately spelled and appropriate for the categories  108 . If one or more of the words are not spelled correctly or are not appropriate for the categories  108 , each of the other players may transfer a game piece  100  to the player who spelled the incorrect word, play may resume and players may continue to attempt to spell words with their game pieces  100 . If both words are verified as accurate and appropriate, the player who played the words may transfer one game piece  100  to each of the other players and a new card  106  may be drawn to begin a new round. 
         [0105]    In some embodiments the winning player may be the first player with less than a predetermined number of game pieces  100  remaining. By way of a non-limiting example, the winner may be the first player with fewer than thirteen game pieces  100  remaining. 
       “Hungry” Rules 
       [0106]      FIG. 24  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 21 game pieces  100 . A plurality of auxiliary game pieces  100  may be provided in a pool that is accessible by all players. The players may then attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell as many connected words as possible during a predetermined time limit marked by the timer  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the timer  114  may count down a time limit of three minutes per round. In some embodiments each word may have the same predetermined number of letters. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each word may have four letters. 
         [0107]    The words may be connected to one another by one or more letters, such that at least letter of one word is re-used as a letter of a separate word. The connected words may be arranged vertically and horizontally when viewed from above. 
         [0108]    At any time during the time limit, players may choose to draw a predetermined number of new game pieces  100  from the plurality of auxiliary game pieces  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, a player may choose to draw seven additional game pieces  100  from the plurality of auxiliary game pieces  100 . 
         [0109]    At the end of the time limit, each player may count the number of correctly spelled connected words that each have the predetermined number of letters, and count the number of unused game pieces  100 . Each player&#39;s score may be the amount of game pieces  100  used in the spelled words subtracted by the number of unused game pieces  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, a player who began with 21 game pieces and added seven additional game pieces during the time limit may have spelled six connected words of four letters each and may have used 19 of the player&#39;s total 28 game pieces, with nine unused game pieces remaining. That player may subtract the nine unused game pieces from the 19 used game pieces, for a total score of ten. The winner of the round and/or game may be the player with the highest score. 
       “Trivial” Rules 
       [0110]      FIG. 25  illustrates a method of playing the game according to this embodiment of the rules. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of game pieces  100  may be provided to each player or team. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments each player may begin with 40 game pieces  100 . In some embodiments one or more players may generate a list of questions. In alternate embodiments a deck of cards  106  may also be provided that is accessible by all players, and the one or more categories  108  on each card  106  may be questions. Questions may be asked and/or displayed from the generated list and/or cards  106 . The players may attempt to use letters  104  on their game pieces  100  to spell words that answer the questions. In some embodiments questions may be asked and/or displayed one at a time. 
         [0111]    In some embodiments the first player to spell a word that answers the current question may earn a predetermined number of points, and the players may begin a new round by asking and/or displaying a new question. The winner may be the first player to meet a minimum number of points. By way of a non-limiting example, if the question is “What is the capital of Oregon?” the first player to spell “SALEM” may earn a point, and the winner of the game may be the first player to earn ten points. 
       MODIFICATIONS 
       [0112]    The foregoing sets of rules are purely exemplary, and the rule sets and/or scoring systems may be modified and/or combined to create further ways of playing the game. Most rule sets specify providing the same number of game pieces to each player, but in some games governed by alternative rue sets players may compete for game pieces to get as many as they can before words are spelled out. In some embodiments one or more elements of one set of rules may be combined or replaced with elements of another set of rules to play the game. By way of non-limiting examples, players may play games with multiple rounds of the same rules, play a single round of any rule set, play multiple rounds with or without a time limit, play with the same or different categories for each player, play with a different number of points to determine the winner, play with a different beginning number of game pieces, or play with any other desired modification. 
         [0113]    In some embodiments the game may be even further modified by specifying which letters on which game pieces are valid to play. By way of non-limiting examples, in some embodiments game pieces may have different colors and/or have sides and/or letters with varying colors and/or fonts. In some of these embodiments a player may play game pieces and/or letters on those game pieces with one or more specific fonts and/or colors. By way of non-limiting examples, in the exemplary arrangement shown in  FIG. 26  all the letters  104  that spell “BLUE” may be of the same color, and in the exemplary arrangement shown in  FIG. 27  all the letters  104  that spell “FONT” may be in the same font. In other embodiments all words may have matching fonts and/or colors. In some embodiments the color of fonts and/or colors may match the color of a selected category  106 . In still alternate embodiments players may earn bonus points for matching fonts and/or colors. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments a player may earn one point for each spelled word, but earn an extra point for any spelled words that comprises game pieces with matching fonts and/or colors. 
         [0114]    In another aspect of the invention the scale of a game may be expanded, and such a game may be, for example, provided for play outdoors, in an open environment. In such a game it may be desirable to have game pieces that are much larger than game pieces thus far described in embodiments of the invention described above. 
         [0115]    In one aspect of the invention tennis balls have been adopted and configured as game pieces.  FIG. 28  illustrates eight tennis balls  2801  having characters lettered thereon. In this example balls  2801  have letters placed according to natural divisions and regions following seams of the tennis ball, but this is not a limitation in the invention. Characters might be of any size and placement, and also of any color, font and size. It is required in the invention, however, that one character on each ball used in a game be clearly intended as an object of purposeful placement of the ball bearing the characters. 
         [0116]      FIG. 29  is a perspective illustration of a mat  2901  in an embodiment of the invention. Mat  2901  has through openings  2902  arranged in a Cartesian coordinate system with rows and columns. In this example the arrangement is five by nine, providing forty-five through openings. It is necessary that the thickness of mat  2901  be provided such that if a ball of  FIG. 1  is placed over one of the through openings, the ball will be supported by contact with the circular periphery of the opening, and the ball will not rest on a support surface upon which the mat may rest. The thickness to just support a tennis ball off a support under the mat is a minimum thickness for a mat in this embodiment, but the thickness may be greater than this minimum thickness. In some embodiments the thickness of the mat may be equal to the minimum thickness, and instead of openings, spherical indentions of the same diameter as a tennis ball may be provided in the arrangement on the mat. An advantage in this embodiment is that more of the surface of a tennis ball will be engaged by surface of the mat, and the balls may be held more securely. 
         [0117]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a mat  2901  with an arrangement of through-openings as described above, with ten balls  2801  placed on openings in the mat such that balls placed spell two words, the words being “spell” and “words”. It should be noted that the intention here is to place the balls so that the intended letters (characters) face upward, upward being vertical relative to the horizontal placement of the mat on a support surface. 
         [0118]    Lettered balls  2801  as game pieces placed a mat  2901  may be used to play any of the games described above, and may be serviceable for new types of games in this invention, where tennis balls with characters may be involved in games that have rules as described in many embodiments above, but also additional components, such as, for example, instances of throwing, batting and retrieving the lettered ball during the playing of a word game. Balls may be retrieved, for example, from a basket or other container at random, thrown against a wall, caught by a player, and then, according to what character faces upward when the ball is caught, become the first letter of a word to be formed according to an agreed-to category of words in the game. A player, then deciding on a word in the category starting with the first letter determined, may by rule be required to throw balls at random and catch them rebounding until the second and subsequent letters may be revealed by catch position and place on the ma to form the word intended. 
         [0119]    Many athletic word games may be thus composed with rules to accommodate lettered tennis balls as described above, in many instances using rules of the games described above, or a mixture of described rules, and additional rules specific to a game played with tennis balls. Games and lettered tennis balls will be used by teachers, trainers, coaches and facilitators who want to combine physical activity with word/math games. Such balls can be used to teach juggling, dribbling, kicking, throwing, catching and a variety of other athletic skills, and then they can be used for more cognitive challenges using the letters or numerals on the balls. An example of such a challenge might be that there are 2 teams and everyone starts with a ball. Everyone needs to dribble their ball across a basketball court and make a basket. If they make a basket then their team will get to use that ball when it is time to spell. This could also be done with kicking the balls into a goal or hitting the balls over a net. After the competing teams have each had a chance to win their balls, the facilitator would then direct them to spell using those letters. They might be given specific words/numbers to build or they might just be directed to spell as many words as they can. They might be given questions and they need to assemble the correct answer using the balls. For example, What is the capital of Oregon? or What is 12 times 23? Such a product is needed because it creates an easy way to combine fun, physical activity and exercise with academic or cognitive challenges. There are a many games that involve spelling or math but these balls will give people the ability to play athletic games that also involve math and language arts. 
         [0120]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.