Uvula-ball

Everybody likes playing games during autumn. My own all-time favorite game is called uvula-ball. Here’s how it goes:

Before explaining how the game goes, let me tell you the meaning of its name. Uvula is defined as “a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate which hangs above the throat.” Now, just as the game of baseball consists of hitting a ball and then stealing bases, while basketball consists of placing a ball into a basket, and football consists of punting a ball with one’s foot; the game of uvula-ball consists of volleying a ball with one’s uvula. OK? Here’s how it goes:

First, you serve the ball high enough so that it can fly over the net that divides the playing field. Then the other team receives your serve and sets the ball up for its return trip: The star member of the opposition now spikes the ball onto your team’s side of the court. The members of your serving team attempt to block this shot, but they lack the skills necessary to do so, therefore they resort to setting the ball and spiking it back again. Now the opposing team accordingly tries and fails to block this return, thus they opt instead to set and spike the ball, yet again, at your side. This pattern continues until somebody scores.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

How a uvula-ball differs from a standard ping-pong ball

It comes in sizes small or big. You can bounce it off the wall. It is die-cast from a ball-shaped template and tends to shrivel up when cold. It is rough and tough on the outside but soft and moist on the inside. And it’s fun to play with.