if the ball wasn't in there, or welded to the rod, it would feel like your clutch cable is snapped and the lever will flop in the wind almost,
did you align the 2 dots on the pressure plate/clutch basket ??? like this.....
chances are it needs an internal rod adjustment, when if too tight, will hold out on the pressure plate and result in clutch slippage,
to adjust the internal rod.....
disconnect the cable, either at the clutch lever, or actuator lever.
align the pointer on the actuator to the notch on the case
the pointer is on the back inside corner of the actuator, it needs to be aligned with the "notch" on the engine case.
/\ (very important, more info here......)
http://www.blasterforum.com/general-support-17/clutch-wont-dis-engage-45390/
loosen the 10mm nut in the center of the pressure plate, loosen the small rod in the center a turn or 2, then turn the rod in carefully, feeling for it to contact the ball/rod inside, when it just makes contact, back it off 1/2 a turn, and tighten the nut,
i like to hit those threads with some brake cleaner and a drop of blue lok-tite to ensure it stays put.
good clutch install vid here, showing the rod adjustment......
http://www.blasterforum.com/engine-13/blaster-clutch-assembly-vid-42901/