An encapsulated marking agent is used to provide a temporary mark at a point of contact between two objects. In a specific example, a game ball is coated with a temporary marking agent that is encapsulated or otherwise sealed against exposure to the air. When the ball contacts a surface with sufficient velocity, a small quantity of the marking agent is liberated to provide a visible mark on the surface at the point of contact. Similar to a “disappearing ink”, the marking agent dissipates upon exposure to air.