Soccer Ball

A Soccer Ball, also called a Football, is the main focus of the games Mario Smash Football and Mario Strikers Charged Football. In these games, players have to gain control of the Soccer Ball and kick it into the goal, something done with either normal kicks, charge shots, Super Strikes (Mario Smash Football), Mega Strikes (Mario Strikers Charged Football), or Skillshots. A normal kick, a charged shot, and a Skillshot result in one point; a Super Strike will score a player two, while a Mega Strike can offer up to six for a team.

In Mario Strikers Charged Football, the soccer ball is made out of metal, which emits a light that indicates the power of the ball. The ball tends to emit a purple light when unused. In this case, shooting the ball results making a failed score. However, charging the ball by passing or charging the shot, players can turn the light into red, yellow and white, the last indicating the ball is charged enough to make an accurate goal.

Apparently, if pressed hard enough, the ball will explode. This is seen in one of Wario's losing cut-scenes, in which he says "I hate you! I hate you! Stupid... *ball explodes on him* ball."

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Soccer Ball appears as an item, appearing with its design from Mario Smash Football. This item cannot be grabbed, however, and to use it, it must be attacked, which will send it flying as it catches on fire and propels across the stage. The soccer ball does not follow an arc when it is attacked. Rather, it will shoot off in a straight line before suddenly losing all momentum and dropping to the ground, or off the stage. If it hits anyone in mid-air, they will be flung away. It is also a trophy that can be randomly unlocked.

Trivia

 * Soccer Balls were planned to appear in Super Mario Sunshine (where they would work identically to the final Durians), as shown in the final game's test level (accessible by hacking) and an early demonstration.
 * Soccer Balls are kicked by a Goomba in a mini-game in Mario Party DS.