Training device and method for practicing playing pool

Abstract

A training device arranged for advantageous practice use by pool players for improving their playing skills. The device includes a central elongated narrow panel structure having adjustable overall length, and has a support leg adjustably attached at each end of the panel structure. The device can be positioned transversely on a pool table with each leg resting on a side rail of the table. In this position, a view by a player of only the cue ball and a selected object ball is possible, and an undesired view of the selected pocket is temporarily prevented while the player takes a shot. A combined training system and method steps useful for improving skills of a pool player are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a portable training device arranged for being conveniently and removably mounted on the side rails of a pool table and is useful for improving the skills of pool players. The invention also includes a training system and method steps for utilizing the training device for assisting players to improve their skills at playing pool.[0002] When playing pool, the skill of a player in successfully hitting a cue ball with a longitudinally moving cue stick so that the cue ball strikes an object ball and propels it into a designated pocket of the pool table is a matter of good eye / hand coordination and skill for the player. The essential element in successfully executing such a pool shot requires the player selecting the intended pocket of the pool table and then striking the cue ball with the cue stick end and so as to propel the object ball into the selected pocket. However, most players when playing pool make the mistake of taking their eye off the object b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] This invention provides a portable training device which includes a central elongated, opaque, narrow panel having sufficient rigidity and length to extend transversely across a pool table. The central panel has a support leg adjustably attached at each end, each leg being sized so that when the training device support legs are each resting on the pool table side rails, a vertical space exists between the bottom edge of the central panel and the pool table playing surface. This vertical space can vary in height, such that the device central elongated panel never touches the table playing surface, but provides a sufficient clearance space for the cue ball and object balls to pass under the panel during use. Such vertical clearance space must exceed the pool ball diameter by 0.25-1.0 inch. This configuration for the inventive training devices permits a player to execute all desired shots without any interference from the device.

[0005] The training device central panel is formed of two elongated adjacent parallel members, with at least one member being provided with a central elongated slot and a suitable clamping arrangement for length adjustment as needed to match the width of a pool table. Each adjacent member has a support leg provided at its outer end for positioning and supporting the training device on the side rails of the pool table and to permit the vertical adjustment of the panel height relative to the pool table playing surface. The device is constructed of a narrow rigid material such as metal, opaque plastic, wood, etc. Whenever the training device of this invention is placed in a transverse upright position onto a pool table and the dual legs of the device rest upon the side rails of the pool table, a combination training system is provided which permits a player to practice various shots and improve his or her game skills. When properly used the training device prevents a player from seeing a designated pocket immediately before making a shot, so that the skill of a pool player in making an accurate shot can thereby be advantageously enhanced. This combination training system includes a pool table with the training device placed on the table in a transverse upright position so that the device dual legs each resting on a side rail of the pool table. Because the training device central panel is made adjustable in overall length using suitable clamping means, it can be utilized on pool tables of varying widths.

[0006] The method for a player utilizing the training device of this invention includes two basic steps. First, before the training device is placed transversely on a pool table, a player standing in an upright position in front or at the side of the table may sight both the cue ball and an object ball, and have a full view of the manner in which he or she intends to execute a particular shot to propel the object ball into a designated pocket of the table. Next, when ready to attack the object ball, the player places the inventive training device transversely upright onto the side rails of the pool table at a location so as to prevent the player sighting the pool table designated pocket when the player is in a crouched position ready to make a shot. At this time before making the shot, the player's eyes will be at a level above the lower edge of the training device central panel so as to prevent his or her sighting the designated pocket. By using the training device, the player is able to maintain concentration and orientation on the cue ball and the object ball free from any distraction of also prematurely sighting the pool table designated pocket. Therefore, before stroking the cue ball with the cue stick, the player will sight more accurately and intently on the cue ball and the spot where it must strike the object ball, and thereby increase the probability that the object ball will be propelled into the desired pocket of the pool table. If desired, these two basic method steps may be performed in the reverse order with similar results in player training. It is emphasized that the training device and method steps of this invention are utilized for practice and training purposes only, and are never used in any competitive pool game situation.

Problems solved by technology

However, most players when playing pool make the mistake of taking their eye off the object ball a split second before they shoot the cue ball in order to see if the object ball is going into the desired pocket.

This mistake results in a miss, so the object ball does not drop into the desired pocket.

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