When discussing the present situation and future of pool, everyone talks about TV, commercials, sponsors and live shows, while this issue is usually overlooked. Getting pool in the mainstream media can surely help, but I don't think it alone can provide the pool community the necessary boost to become a globally popular and respected sport once again. I'll be straight-up and honest: to the general population watching pool is boring, and this includes a large number of actual pool players as well. I mean, the mainstream doesn't take this sport seriously, the average Joe wouldn't even consider it a sport nowadays. It's become just a fun bar game most people can't play properly.
Broadcasting pool on popular TV programs to a population like that won't be especially productive. Has anyone ever thought of a different, completely opposite approach? To regenerate and resurrect the elite pool community, including pro pool, to bring the money, numbers and sponsors back to this sport, why don't we start at the bottom: with the social players and the bangers?
Just to make myself clear... By "social player" I mean people who go out with friends, usually to a bar, and play pool just for fun a few times per month. They don't know much about the game, and they don't feel competitive, they play it simply to pass the time.
A "banger", on the other hand, would be a more serious and experienced player, who can often be much more competitive, but has little or no formal knowledge about the game. Bangers love pool, some of them tend to play several times a week, almost like dedicated "legit" players, but their playing style and technique consists solely of what they've picked up while playing other people. Most notable characteristics include hitting the balls hard to get slops, poor CB control and pattern choice, little knowledge of defense, but their straight-up accuracy can sometimes be on par with intermediate legit players.
Now, you might be wondering about the benefits of investing in those classes of players. But the truth is, the social player and the banger are the workhorse of the pool community. They are the manpower which keeps the cue and table business running. They supply bars, pool halls, leagues and many tournaments. Most advanced players and pros have arisen from their ranks.
So do the math. If we concentrate our resources on increasing the global number of social players and bangers five times, that means around five times more money for pool industry and leagues. It also means five times more young talented players who decide to take up pool seriously. Larger numbers and more money lead to media interest and sponsors. It won't solve all the issues with pool overnight, but it could be a turning point.
In order to bring the highest, most elite aspect of pool to its former glory, why don't we start with the "least serious" form of the game?
). Ultimately, there are many pool enthusiasts who own a room or are thinking about opening one. We as a community have an obligation to help them out whenever we can. More owners need to rise among our own ranks.
