In most sports games and consequentially, in most games, there is a binary process and/or state: which team (A or B) has the ball. Having a ball determines which team is supposed to "make a move". The "burden" of "initiative" falls on whoever has the ball. The figurative ball in personal relationships also determines the burden of "initiative". Often, the burden of having the figurative ball leads to unneccessary actions being taken; sometimes, passing the ball to the other "team" is the most prudent action. This reflects in playing "defensive" and "offensive". Furthermore, like in the game of chess, any "provocation" of action by the "opposite team", i.e. passing the ball, leads to reveal and learning of the strategy of whoever has the ball, leading to corrective actions in the future.

This analogy works in all "games", whether sports, board or "human psychology" games; who ever has the ball, carries the burden of initiative, risks the revelation of strategies, and is, in fact, in inferior position to the "waiting" party.