9BallPaul
Banned
Why in the world would you play safe against yourself? Yeah, that's a winning strategy.
As for "speed 10-ball" what the hey is that? Who would win?
My Take on Speed Pool
- Thread starter 9BallPaul
- Start date
Why in the world would you play safe against yourself? Yeah, that's a winning strategy.
As for "speed 10-ball" what the hey is that? Who would win?
To add to what Muddawg said, even skill in pocketing balls is not that important in speed pool. It doesn't really matter if you miss except to the extent it takes you more time to clear the table. But you don't lose your turn on a miss. You often see guys miss on purpose if they think it will lower their overall time. You can break up clusters or get balls off the rail towards a pocket without the requirement to pocket a ball in the process.
Then of course, there is the difficult advanced technique known as the "nudge shot" (kids, do not attempt this at home)
. I'll grant you that execution of this shot is an extra skill that is not required in mainstream pool.
Then of course, there is the difficult advanced technique known as the "nudge shot" (kids, do not attempt this at home)
. I'll grant you that execution of this shot is an extra skill that is not required in mainstream pool.
Last edited:
I was simply answering your question. You asked "Which of pool's many skills is not in demand in speed pool?" and I answered... you don't need to play safe in speed pool. If you didn't want the answer, then you shouldn't have asked the question.
:lol:
yeah I just youtube'd it, I thought it was just a fast version of a regular version fo pool and was excited. I would like to see that with a shot clock really low. but this was just dumb.. wacking balls while they are still moving?
Sorry, but I think it degrades this incredible game. 1) if you miss a shot, you should sit down and watch. 2) $40k for the winner of this "game" is outrageously overpaid relative to what champions make for winning most tournaments. 3) I don't think these guys could win a real top-notch tournament. 4) the entertainment value is comparable to Trick Shot Magic, but less skillful. 5) It seems like it is designed to appeal to bangers and the ignorant public, which is just another step backwards for pool. I know there is considerable skill involved, but on a much lower level than pool deserves.
9BallPaul
Banned
Sorry, but I think it degrades this incredible game. 1) if you miss a shot, you should sit down and watch. 2) $40k for the winner of this "game" is outrageously overpaid relative to what champions make for winning most tournaments. 3) I don't think these guys could win a real top-notch tournament. 4) the entertainment value is comparable to Trick Shot Magic, but less skillful. 5) It seems like it is designed to appeal to bangers and the ignorant public, which is just another step backwards for pool. I know there is considerable skill involved, but on a much lower level than pool deserves.
OK, go to your nearest table, time yourself on one rack, then report back what your time is, and whether you think under one minute is one helluva athletic feat.
My guess is that 99 percent of us on this board could not break two minutes on their first attempt. Any takers?
Here is a better challenge...
in November 2007 I pocketed 10,020 balls speed pool style in two 12 hour shifts to raise money for Brandon Amato. That is 667 racks in 24 hours. I averaged about 27 racks per hour rotating on two tables - which is roughly 2:09 per rack - nonstop for two 12 hour shifts. Even at the 2:00 + pace, it was physically and mentally grueling.
There is much more to it than just knocking in balls at a feverish pace. You have to be in shape, you have to make split second decisions and then execute. Anyone that thinks that its a "joke" or "silly" really has no idea how much physical and mental skill is required to perform flawlessly at that pace.
Last edited:
excellent post here. still the question is: is it good for pool? i say yes if pple who dont normally watch pool tune in to espn to watch it b/c its fast/exciting/easy to understand. this sport needs pple who dont play (and may never play) to tune in. come on folks just b/c its new and different and may look easy doesnt mean its bad for the sport. it requires most pool skills and lightening quick reflexes. stop being pool snobs
brian
I tried it out one time when i was playing with a friend and i got 1:04....I still think its incredibly stupid and i change the channel if its on..and i think it gives the wrong image to how pool really is...it drives me crazy when i tell someone i play pool and they ask me if play speed pool or if i know any cool trick shots lol
9BallPaul
Banned
OK, here's your challenge, and I'll stake some dough on Pay Pal: Post a video of you breaking and pocketing a rack of 15 balls and do it under 1 minute and 50 seconds. I'll entertain any bet you'd like to make. You've got seven days to take the challenge.
so heres the question: is speed pool good for pool? sjm i dont think its about getting pple who watch to try pool (isnt pool already the biggest particpant sport in the us?) but about getting pple to tune in and watch. thats what sponsors want-folks watching. speed pool is perfect for this-fast paced, easy to understand rules, good head to head competition and a nice payout.
for you pool snobs out there (speed pool is a gimmick) hasnt that been a knock on most games at one time? back in the day do you think that straight pool players may have said 9ball was a gimmick game. didnt mosconi refuse to play one pocket b/c he said it was a gimmick.
speed pool takes quite a bit of pool playing skill. i mean really have you tried to clear all the balls of the table in a minute? hell with the shape some of us are in it would probably kill us
i like watching (and occ playing) speed pool and i think could be good for the game as well. maybe we as a community be more supportive of something that can be good for the game.
brian
Point well taken. Nice post.
Under one minute is what the winner of the $40k did. The other guy missed some shots and was going around 1.5-2 minutes. My guess is that 99% of us on this board couldn't run 10 consecutive racks of 9-ball either. Why don't you try that and report back on how you did.
9BallPaul
Banned
Under one minute is what the winner of the $40k did. The other guy missed some shots and was going around 1.5-2 minutes. My guess is that 99% of us on this board couldn't run 10 consecutive racks of 9-ball either. Why don't you try that and report back on how you did.
Let me put this in language you can understand. I'm calling you a liar. You can't break two minutes and I doubt you could break three. I'm willing to back it up with cash. You?
I can break 2 minutes without missing or nudging. But it is NOT easy!!! And I'm talking about the rack where you can shoot ANY ball. They also have racks that are similar to 8 ball - take what you make....(example) all stripes, then all solids, and 8ball last. Beating 2 minutes in that one is next to impossible for me (too much thinking involved - and if rushed - I miss), there is a bonus for not missing - 10 seconds is taken off your time, so nudging a ball or breaking up a cluster without pocketing a ball can be costly. All I know is some of the times Bobby has put up in practice are UNREAL. For his regular pool skills....we had a BIG local tourney that he got 2nd in - with a pretty darn tough field....Jesse Bowman won it. I don't have the link right off hand, but a search for Bowman will find you a link to the archived Ustream matches :thumbup: He also plays in the Derby City every year, and has beaten some quality opponents (I know he won his first four matches in 9 ball this year, but I couldn't stick around - had to leave thru the ICE on Thurs.).
The way I look at it is, if you already play on the fast side, and pocket balls really well, give it a shot. If you win a couple of competitions in it (he won the VALLEY speed pool tourney, and that got him into the ESPN one), go for a chance at a BIG paycheck!! You certainly can't fault a guy for that, whether you don't like seeing it on TV or not!!! Here's to hoping I see Keith in it :thumbup:
Last edited:
I've actually put this whole is speed pool a good game or is it good for pool thing to work before...let me tell you people love to play it. I literally had around 30 or so people paying 20 bucks a person getting 2 tries for there fastest time and I had to cut it off, coulda had 50 with more open tables. I won't say which national championship it was at because people hate league play for some odd reason. I will tell you Bobby McGrath did end up winning and the vast majority of the times were over 2 mins. Before you knock it, I say try it out. Get about 7 other buddies together and bet by the round and have a good time doing it, I don't think it's a game a tradionalist can get that excited about but it sure is a fun game. I'd compare it to an All-Star game, just a challenging fun game to play.
I think it is very good for pool FWIW. I'll also say I agree these guys deserve the big purse of 40-50k. Why? Not like they can compete in too many tourneys during the year. How bout the major 9 or 10 ball tourneys all pull together and have just one tournament for the respective champions. I bet that 1st place would be around a half million dollars. If we are going to compare, let's do it apples to apples.
I think it is very good for pool FWIW. I'll also say I agree these guys deserve the big purse of 40-50k. Why? Not like they can compete in too many tourneys during the year. How bout the major 9 or 10 ball tourneys all pull together and have just one tournament for the respective champions. I bet that 1st place would be around a half million dollars. If we are going to compare, let's do it apples to apples.
I think theres a bit of jelousy here
I am also from the Peoria Il area and know Bobby Mcgrath very well. Before you all crucify him for being a "speed pool banger", here are a few things ya might like to know about him.
1. Bobby fell ass backwards into this speed pool thing. Was basically killing time when he won the big valley nationals speed pool that qualified him for espn. He studied the game and has become the man to beat at it, and for his effort he's up about $90,000.
2. Bobby is a multiple time Il state champion in both VNEA and ACS pool league. ( his mom is also a 6 or 7 time state womens champion) He also has never finished out of the money at the DCC. 4-5 years ago he tied for 11th out of 450 some odd players. How many people on here can say that??? Took many champions double hill down there. Bout 4 years ago he smoked kieth 7-0. last year took tony chohan double hill in onepocket and it came down to the last couple balls, tony won but the point is this, this kid aint just a speed pool player, he playes all games well.
3. He aint afraid to put his money where his mouth is. Anybody that comes through town can get action with Bobby or a whole host of other players in town. He's won some and lost some, but one thing for sure is hes got heart and game. though hes only like 28 or 29 hes been playin for 25 years
Hopefully this will shed a little light on who and what Bobby is about. Theres alot more there than just a fast shooter
I am also from the Peoria Il area and know Bobby Mcgrath very well. Before you all crucify him for being a "speed pool banger", here are a few things ya might like to know about him.
1. Bobby fell ass backwards into this speed pool thing. Was basically killing time when he won the big valley nationals speed pool that qualified him for espn. He studied the game and has become the man to beat at it, and for his effort he's up about $90,000.
2. Bobby is a multiple time Il state champion in both VNEA and ACS pool league. ( his mom is also a 6 or 7 time state womens champion) He also has never finished out of the money at the DCC. 4-5 years ago he tied for 11th out of 450 some odd players. How many people on here can say that??? Took many champions double hill down there. Bout 4 years ago he smoked kieth 7-0. last year took tony chohan double hill in onepocket and it came down to the last couple balls, tony won but the point is this, this kid aint just a speed pool player, he playes all games well.
3. He aint afraid to put his money where his mouth is. Anybody that comes through town can get action with Bobby or a whole host of other players in town. He's won some and lost some, but one thing for sure is hes got heart and game. though hes only like 28 or 29 hes been playin for 25 years
Hopefully this will shed a little light on who and what Bobby is about. Theres alot more there than just a fast shooter
Speed pool is deleted from the DVR without watching it.
YAWN
YAWN
Not to mention 2007 NATIONAL Champ in VNEA 9 ball.
I don't believe most on here are bashing the players, but their disdain for the ESPN SPEED POOL event makes me want to stick up for Bobby also.
In any case...REP to you!! :thumbup: