Steve...dang it i meant to write you a note forgot it. that's what happens when you get to be my age. sigh I swear my memory has gotten tons worse lately. sorry. Anyway, thanks so much for the birthday greetings!!!! :) And great minds think alike!!! I LOVE mine too!!! Isn't it SO much easier to use a tripod with that set up!!! So what's up with yours??? What do you mean you tried to "force the ball?" What kind of problem are you having with it?