The present application is directed to methods and apparatus for playing a throwing game, employing a ball in which the surface of the ball is divided into zones, with indicia contained in each zone. In preferred examples, the ball is shaped like a football, and the indicia indicate number of points to be awarded, if any. Preferably a player catching the ball will receive the number of points indicated by the indicia within a zone on which the catching player's thumb lands. Reach player's points are added in a running tally. The invention also concerning a ball to be used in such a game.
1. A prolate spheroid-shaped ball, structured to be lightweight, having a surface comprising a plurality of zones arranged around the circumference of the ball, with each said zone being at least as large as a human thumb, and displaying a word or number selected from the group consisting of: Interception, 0 , 7 , 3 , 2 , 6 , Fumble, 8 , Turnover, Safety, Field Goal, Touchdown, Touchdown plus Extra Point, and Touchdown plus Conversion visible on the surface of the ball, and wherein said ball contains a touch-sensitive sensor associated with each zone structured to register score information when a body appendage touches a zone.
2. The ball of claim 1 wherein the ball comprises a foam polymer.
3. The ball of claim 1 wherein said ball is in the shape of an American football.
4. The ball of claim 3 wherein said ball comprises a foam polymer.
5. The ball of claim 4 wherein each zone of said plurality of zones are equal in size and shape to each other zone.
6. The ball of claim 1 wherein said sensor transmits said score information to a microprocessor for calculating a score.
7. The ball of claim 6 wherein said score information is wirelessly transmitted to said microprocessor.