Silent ball

Silent ball is a game in which a ball is thrown from player to player while any two players remain. It is unclear who invented the game.

Players begin the game standing, with one holding a ball. They throw the ball to any other standing player, who must catch it. If a player drops the ball when it is thrown to them, or talks at any time, they are "out" and must sit down on the floor. Seated players are permitted to talk, to distract other players. The game continues until only one player is left standing.[1]

There may be variations and additions to these rules. For example, if players who are sitting down, because they are "out", are able to catch a throw, then they may re-enter the play.[2] If the ball is tossed inaccurately or in an aggressive manner, then the person who threw the ball is "out". Other adaptations include disallowing players from returning the ball to the players from whom they have immediately received it (except in cases where only two players remain in the game) and imposing time limits on how long players may hold the ball before being required to pass it.