I disagree if anyone says that any coverage is good coverage. If anything, this kind of coverage is detrimental to the game. I've had friends that don't know anything about pool watch WPBA matches and ask "why is everyone clapping for those easy shots?"
There are quite a few things wrong with WPBA coverage. The clapping for every shot is definitely one of those things. I think it's condescending to the women who play. Are we trying to say that they play so bad that every easy shot is an incredible feat for them? Hardly... But that's how it comes across. And as far as trying to build some excitement, no, if it looks fake and forced then the casual viewer will eventually pick up on it and realize that's it's really not all that exciting. Then you add the useless commentary and it's all down hill. There are way too many times that I've heard the female pro say something like "yeah, i'm not really sure what she should do here." And please don't get me started on Mitch Laurance. I agree with the graphics comment also, what does it matter who sunk which ball? And what exactly is the point of the pocket cam?
I'm sorry, but I would rather have no TV coverage at all then watch pool get dragged through the dirt like this. It's embarassing. And I would say the same thing if this is how they showed men's pool, but we don't really have to worry about that anymore, do we?
And there's no need to compare pool to golf or any other games, it needs to have it's own identity and reasons for clapping. Anyone who has watched an accu-stats or TAR match knows when it's appropriate to clap. A break and run, a tough shot with tough position, emaculate cue ball control on a shot or safety or a semi tough shot under pressure. I think this is standard stuff and for the casual viewer it would be way more educational and I believe would teach them how to properly appreciate the game.
