Idea #99,998 for a TV pool competition show

bdorman

Dead money
Silver Member
Bare with me, because although this is idea #99.998, I think it has some merit.

Target Pool. Set up a series of shots in ascending order of difficulty and score the players on a make/didn't make basis. More interesting with teams so there's some interaction and characterization.

The cool thing is it could appeal to hardcore players, casual players and even non-players. These are real shots, but difficult enough that they appeal to the trickshot audience too. It's easy to understand.

Imagine -- CB on the headrail, OB three diamonds up on the long rail. Pocket the OB in the corner and bring the CB back to where it began (I saw SVB practicing this shot over and over once, I think in a TAR interview).

The commentators (BillyI would have a field day with this!) could explain what the shooter needs to do (english, speed, aim, etc), comment on the shooter's strengths/weaknesses and why he made or didn't make the shot.

But you've got to allow trash-talking, cheering and general whooping it up -- let the players' personalities come out. Quiet during the stroke, but all other times are fair game.

The game would move quickly. Ten set-up shots X two 3-member teams is only sixty shots. Production is cheap; you could film it after each major tournament since the players are already there (also a nice opportunity to promote the tournament and pro pool in general).

Your thoughts?
 
Id watch it, as long as it wasn't all trick shots with props.

Would all the shots be timed? Say 20 seconds?
 
Id watch it, as long as it wasn't all trick shots with props.

Would all the shots be timed? Say 20 seconds?

Yes, a 20-second or so shot clock would be necessary.

No "trick" shots; just scoring with a variety of Target Pool shots. You have to pocket the ball and land on the target. Maybe include a jump shot for the "wow" factor. You could choose a few fairly simple shots but make the target small. More difficult shots (like the one I described in the first post) would have a larger target. Make it kind of like golf...a couple of par 3s, tough par 4s and a few very difficult par 5s.

The advantage is the game is easy to understand, moves quickly and allows for lots of interaction between the players.
 
I have a vhs copy of a target pool competition like you are describing (minus the trash talking). The competitors were Leonardo Andam (who won it), Buddy Hall, Kim Davenport, and CJ Wiley.

It was pretty cool.
 
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