Training golf ball

Abstract

A training golf ball is a truncated sphere having a continuous spherical portion and two truncated sides. The training golf ball has an equator extending around the spherical portion that divides the training golf ball into two congruent sections. The two truncated sides are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially parallel to a plane passing through and intersecting the equator of the spherical portion.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A training golf ball comprising:
 a. a truncated sphere having:
 i. a spherical portion with a continuous circumferential surface having an equator; and 
 ii. two truncated sides substantially parallel to each other, on opposite sides of the spherical portion, and substantially parallel to a plane passing through the equator, wherein the truncated sphere has a radius and is truncated approximately between 5% and 90% of the radius. 
   
     
     
         2 . The training golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the truncated sphere is truncated approximately 60% of the radius. 
     
     
         3 . A method of practicing a golf swing by a golfer comprising the steps of:
 a. placing a training golf ball on a support surface, wherein the training golf ball is a truncated sphere that has:
 i. a spherical portion with a continuous circumferential surface having an equator; and 
 ii. two truncated sides substantially parallel to each other, on opposite sides of the spherical portion, and substantially parallel to a plane passing through the equator, wherein the truncated sphere is placed on the support surface with the continuous circumferential surface in contact with the support surface and the equator is aligned with an intended line of travel; 
   b. striking the training golf ball with a golf club; and   c. observing any deviation from the intended line of travel in order to determine how the training golf ball was struck.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the support surface is a golf course putting surface. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the support surface is a golf course fairway surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the support surface is a golf course rough surface. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the support surface is a golf course bunker surface. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the support surface is a golf course tee surface. 
     
     
         9 . A method of practicing a golf swing by a golfer comprising the steps of:
 a. placing a training golf ball on a support surface, wherein the training golf ball is a truncated sphere that has:
 i. a spherical portion with a continuous circumferential surface having an equator; and 
 ii. two truncated sides substantially parallel to each other, on opposite sides of the spherical portion, and substantially parallel to a plane passing through the equator, wherein the truncated sphere is placed on the support surface with one of the truncated sides in contact with the support surface; 
   b. striking the training golf ball with a golf club; and   c. observing any deviation from the intended line of travel in order to determine how the training golf ball was struck.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the support surface is a golf course fairway surface. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the support surface is a golf course rough surface. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the support surface is a golf course bunker surface. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the method further includes the golfer listening for a sound from the training golf ball as the training golf ball spins after being struck.