Bruce Barthelette Trick Shot Interview

Posted by Eric on November 10, 2006 at 04:16

Bruce Barthelette is a famous trick shot pro. Check out his accomplishments:
World Ranking: 8th
BCA Ranking: 6th
2006 Masters Runner-Up
2006 Masters Jump Shot Champion
2005 Comet Classic Runner-Up
2005 Comet Classic Bank / Kick, Stroke, and Masse Champion
2005 Trick Shot Magic Participant
2nd Largest APA Operator in the Country With 7000 Players

For more info on Bruce be sure to visit his brucebarthelette.com site.

Recently Bruce was shown facing Mike Massey in the 2006 Trick Shot Magic Semi Finals on ESPN.

Bruce was nice enough to answer some interview questions for us.

1. You had some baseball references in your 2006 Trick Shot Magic match against Mike Massey. For example, you talked about the Sandy Kofax curve in one shot and the Green Monster in another shot? Are you a big baseball fan? Who is your favorite team?

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	I have been a Red Sox fan for as long as I can remember. I got that from my father who has followed the Red Sox all his life. Andy Segal and I go back and forth with good humor jabs. Andy is a Yankee fan.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	I had been making this shot in practice on a regular basis. On my second attempt, I had it lined up right but I just didn't hit it hard enough. Having practiced with Mike Massey, I knew he had trouble with this shot so I thought I would be a good one to play against him.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	We never shot each other's shots when the other person was there. So when we got to the tv match, it was the first time seeing the other player shooting the shots. The element of suprise was definetly there. The thing about Mike is, you never know what shots he is going to choose. He is so talented that he can take any of the shots and make them.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	The box is used in 4 of my shots. I keep thinking what am I going to do if the box gets damaged in transit. This being my second year on ESPN Trick Shot Magic, I knew that you always have to come up with creative shots. This is why we all have so many props.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	Obviously, Mike Massey is the most talented of all trick shot artists. His record speaks for itself. I believe that all of the players at trick shot magic are tough matches. If I had to choose the person I think is next in line it would be Andy Segal. Andy has no weaknesses. Although he didn't make it to television the last 2 years, I think he is the toughest opponent for anyone.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	The green monster shot where I jump the cue ball into the baseball glove. I missed it at Trick Shot Magic, but I can tell you that the next time you se it on tv, I make it. Most of the trick shot players with the exception of Mike Massey can not make this shot. Actually, I am not sure if Mike has ever made it.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	Most weeks leading up to the competition, I spend an average of 4 hours a day. When Mike Massey arrives at the house, we average about to 8 to 10 hours a day, sometimes more. I am very lucky to live close to Andy Segal, Sal Conti and Matt Mcphail. All of us get together to practice. It is much easier practicing with someone else than doing it alone.

Bruce Barthelette wrote:

Speed shots require skill and coordination. What's not to like about them It is a big part of the game. Each player has their own specialty, but all players need to be good at every part of trick shots. Personally, I like the speed shots. Most of the players shoot them against me because I am big, but they soon find out that I am very good at them. Trick shots has changed so much in the last 6 years. You now have players shooting one handed shots with both hands. I believe that you will be seeing many more new and creative shots in the near future.

	Bruce Barthelette wrote:
	I love a big crowd. It makes me play better. When it comes down to hitting the shot, I forget that the crowd and the cameras are there. This year was the first time ever for me on tv. I was quite pleased on how calm I was able to stay. Until you are put into a situation, you don't know how you will react.

Bruce Barthelette wrote:

Favorite pool hall has to be Shooters Billiards in Southington Connecticut. I drive an hour to go their and practice with my good friend Sal Conti. The conditions and the tables are perfect. Favorite restaurant has to be any place with a good steak! I Love playing golf in the summer. I got together with Mitch and Ewa Laurance last year for a celebrity pro am golf tournament in Myrtle Beach. The was the best golf experince of my life.