Ball Return - Billiard Term Definition

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Definition of Ball Return

Ball Return is a billiards term that is a part of Pool Table Terminology.

A ball return is a system that is built in to a pool table, billiard table, or snooker table that collects balls as they are pocketed or potted and deposits them in to a ball collection unit for retrieval by the players or referee. A ball return uses gravity to guide balls on rails, in gutters, or in troughs from the pockets in to the collection bins. Contrast pool tables with ball return systems to pool tables with drop pockets, which are tables that have only pockets in to which balls fall and remain.

See: ball return system, drop pockets, gully table for more on the meaning of "Ball Return".

Ball Return - Usage

The table I'm buying has a ball return mechanism and so I won't have to get the balls out of each individual pocket.

Ball Return - Origin and History

Ball return mechanisms have been in use since at least the 1700s and have numerous patents filed at the US patent office.

Billiards - Ball Return

• Pool Table Glossary of Terms
• Billiard Terms Glossary

• Title: Ball Return
• Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
• Published: 11/17/2007 8:32:06 PM

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