Darren is one of my favorite players. After watching many of the older Mosconi cup matches on YouTube last summer, I really admired many things about his setup and stroke. I loved watching Neils and Chris Melling as well, with their great mechanics and flowing strokes, but something about Darren's approach just stuck with me.
I was unhappy with my game last summer, so I went back to basics, filmed myself a lot, starting doing drills again, etc. I also adapted certain things to be a little more "Darren-like". I wasn't trying to copy him, just take a few of the things I saw him doing and incorporate them into my game.
I can happily say that my game jumped up a notch or two, I was already an "A" player but my consistency and confidence skyrocketed just by making a few minor changes - using an open bridge more, setting up a bit more open, and using my same length bridge but a shorter yet smooth backstroke like Darren does.
Oddly enough, right after that I was getting my hair cut and somehow pool came up and my hairdresser is friends with Darren! I sent him a message and received one back, would certainly hope to meet him and/or take a lesson if we are ever in the same area.
Thanks for the review Joey, will definitely check this out when I get a chance, next best thing to being there in person.
Scott