Interesting that he makes so much money playing Chinese 8 ball that he is not willing to give the other disciplines a try. It makes me wonder if other players might consider going to China to see if they can make more money. Regardless, I would like to see him come to Derby City and play the other games. As someone mentioned, unless his break is deficient, I believe he would do very well.
Garreth Potts
- Thread starter Mole Eye
- Start date
His break would need a lot of work. From what I've seen he doesn't break with a closed bridge when he breaks hard...which he rarely does. Breaking hard in E8B and C8B is not the same as breaking hard in American pool. He tends to draw back also on his breaks which I'm not a fan of. I'm sure he can generate a lot of power in his breaks with a little lunge and what not but whether he can control the white whilst getting a decent spread is another thing. I would like to see him compete against one of the other lads from the UK though. Even if its just for a few grand against Darren. He would need a slight spot in 9 or 10 ball IMO though.
I read somewhere that they are the best of friends. Potts said that Selby really wants him to try to qualify for the snooker tour, but Gareth says he is secure in his income now, while as a low to mid-level snooker player he might not make nearly as much. As it is, he says he plays snooker often (even though not at a pro level) and has a high break of 144. Not too shabby.
One thing for sure, the guy's fundamentals are simply amazing. I'm sure he'd be a mighty force to be reckoned with if he was to take up our games.
Are you thinking of Stuart Pettman?
One trick pony
It's not just the break. There are power shots that you can't even think about shooting in C8ball and any table that has round pockets. So, if you rarely shoot them and/or those shots are lower percentage in the main games you play, they'll be deficient on American pool tables. Clearly, one of the reasons why Dennis and Shane are always mentioned as "the best in the world" in American pool is their ability to make power shots so simple (among all the other things in American pool).
Potts is an amazing tactician and phenomenal potter. But, the world's greatest putter won't win on a pro golf tour that requires you to have the world's greatest long game.
Could he get there? Power play isn't just about practice. It's a change in stance and philosophy. Sure he could there. But, that'd be quite a shift.
Freddie <~~~ IMNSHO
IIRC correctly, he was on a $50,000 retainer with Joy, plus some tournament winnings, including last years masters. Earnings in the region of $150,000 for the year.
Not including his pool hall in the UK plus some property he owns let out.
Why bother heading to the USA to pick up scraps - (in which he is unlikely to compete as he is not a regular AP player?)
Not including his pool hall in the UK plus some property he owns let out.
Why bother heading to the USA to pick up scraps - (in which he is unlikely to compete as he is not a regular AP player?)
I suppose we're excusing his extreme cross-dominant stance.
The Spin Doctor
Registered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRq0Hj4tLQI
Not sure if this was posted anywhere, but it has some good info on Potts. He talks about his break, and why he does what he does. I do agree, awesome fundamentals and stroke on this guy....
Not sure if this was posted anywhere, but it has some good info on Potts. He talks about his break, and why he does what he does. I do agree, awesome fundamentals and stroke on this guy....
You're a wise man.
Might be Stuart pettman. He ran something like 117 on the 10 foot in straight pool
1,2 barbecue
Look at Judd Trump. One of the most accurate power potters in the game because of his very very limited movement. He generates ridiculous amounts of spin. I once saw him pot a straight red that was less than a foot away from the pocket and the white about 6 inches behind the baulk line, he screwed straight back into baulk, back out of baulk and landed half ball on the blue. That's pure power, timing and technique. Gareth's technique is more than capable for a shot like that.
The only issue I can possibly see is the tactical side of 9 and 10 ball and the break. Both of which can be picked up. He would need practice time on the break and a top sparring partner for the tactical side. A couple of months devotion to pool and he could hold his own against anyone. But that couple of months devotion takes away from his earning capabilities in a game he is already world class in.
The only issue I can possibly see is the tactical side of 9 and 10 ball and the break. Both of which can be picked up. He would need practice time on the break and a top sparring partner for the tactical side. A couple of months devotion to pool and he could hold his own against anyone. But that couple of months devotion takes away from his earning capabilities in a game he is already world class in.
Think of examples of power shots that you think Potts will be "deficient" at playing on American pool tables, and then ask yourself how often do these types of shots come up during the course of a typical 8-ball match of decent length. Then ask yourself how often does being an amazing tactician and phenomenal potter is an advantage during the course of an 8-ball match.
IMO, his advantages wtih the latter more than outweighs any deficiencies (if there are any, which is debatable) with the former.
I think it's fairly absurd to think that Potts can't be a world-class 8-ball player on American tables right now.
I totally agree with you on this one, Pidge. Potts ain't no putter, he has plenty of power with that long, smooth stroke. Look how well Melling does with a stroke that isn't even as good.
I think Gareth would have a problem with the rotation games only because he's not versed in the best patterns and tactics. One misplayed safety in 9-ball will cost you the match in a short race. But give him a year or two of play against SVB, Darren, Dennis O. and the like and they will have all they can handle after that. Just don't see it happening is all.
I don't think anybody was saying or hinting that he couldn't play 8-ball at a world class level on an American table. They were referring to the rotation games.
Having said that, I'm with you when it comes to his "deficiencies". I think historically the English 8-ball players and snooker players for that matter had several variables that they had to adjust for when switching over. There was the break, which has already been mentioned. In 9-ball this really isn't that big of a deal anymore due to the Magic racks and the fact that a smashing, powerful 9-Ball break is no longer needed. 10 Ball is another story.
Then there's getting comfortable shooting shots that you have avoided shooting your entire career -- mainly all the shots down the rail.
The power shots? What power shots? American pool no longer requires a lot of power shots because the rails are so lively and the cloth is so fast. This is why it's nearly impossible to distinguish the difference between the men and the women at the highest levels. The amazing stroke shots just aren't needed that often.
Lastly, saying players need to change their stances to adjust for the American Pool games -- I just don't see it. What I see is players that transition to American pool gradually loosen up their fundamentals simply because they just don't need to be as rigid about them because the game doesn't demand it. They don't change them to increase their ability to cue the ball with power.
I dunno, but I'm standing by with a case of fireworks just in case things blow up.
It has been made more clear watching all week this C8ball what shots they don't shoot or worse... they miss. It is also clear that Dennis, for example, attempted to power his way through many of his matches, only to be completely undone due to that approach.
They are two different games.