EvilSOB: Sorry, no dice. Even with that changed code it doesn't change anything... Why is this so difficult? It seems simple...

EDIT: vec_set(particles_dir, vector(-1,0,ball.z - (-ball.z*0.99))); // length of spray

Putting that code in allows me to get a bit of the effect I'm looking for, although far from what I need. Maybe this will help?