The paper presents the results of a numerical analysis (by FEM) of a new forging process for producing a hollow ball with an outside diameter of 30 mm and a wall thickness of 4.4 mm. It was assumed that the ball forging would be cold formed from hollow billet (tube) made of 19MnCr5 steel. The effect of billet dimensions (diameter, height and wall thickness) on the forming process was investigated, which led to identification of basic shape defects and determination of the billet dimensions required for producing balls of the desired geometry. The ball forming conditions, including force parameters of the process, are thoroughly investigated.