Spinner
A Ball 'n' Chain is a spiked ball on a chain swinging on a pivot. Bowser uses these as cautionary weapons against invaders, but Mario or Luigi can stand on the brick in the center to avoid being hit by the ball. Also, using a Spin Jump will allow Mario/Luigi to harmlessly bounce off the spiked ball. Many were found in the castles and fortresses in Super Mario World. They have a small, but decent reappearance in New Super Mario Bros., but only in 7-Castle. The blocks are still there, and one even has a Star Coin. Their name in New Super Mario Bros. is Ball and Chain.
Appearances in Other Media
A Ball 'n' Chain makes a brief appearance in the Super Mario World animated series episode "Send in the Clown". Mario, while traveling through Neon Castle, narrowly avoids being hit by a Ball 'n' Chain, which drops from the ceiling, as he traverses over some lava.
