I just attended the Archer and Varner pool school at The Playing Field in Richmond, VA and I must say that I had a wonderful time.
Of course I have watched these gentlemen play for a long time, and even had the honor of being able to hang out with them for hours at their hotel when they came to England for the Mosconi Cups. I never bothered them with questions about the game, just enjoyed talking with them and listening to their pool stories. But this time I got to learn from them and pick their brains a little bit.
I started out the 4 hour class with Johnny. I wish that I had another few more hours with him, but 2 hours will have to do for now. He started out with a very simple shot, but with that simple shot he was able to find a small flaw with all of the players in our group. Small things that don't seem that important, but in the grand scheme of things, they were huge.
Moved over to Nick's half of the lesson, and his was a bit different. He didn't have a set plan. He wanted us to ask questions and then he would answer them or show us how to do things. He went over a kicking system that will come in very handy.
Overall, the experience paid for itself. These two guys are EXTREMELY knowledgeable, and very personable. They didn't treat you like you were inferior to them. They honestly cared about making you a better player.
I'd like to thank them for everything they did, and wish them the best of luck with the school. It is a wonderful experience that I think everyone should take advantage of if they get the chance.
Also would like to thank Mark for organizing and bringing this opportunity to all of us. Mark, you're a hell of a nice guy and I'm sure we'll see each other again some day. Take care of yourself.
Tony
Of course I have watched these gentlemen play for a long time, and even had the honor of being able to hang out with them for hours at their hotel when they came to England for the Mosconi Cups. I never bothered them with questions about the game, just enjoyed talking with them and listening to their pool stories. But this time I got to learn from them and pick their brains a little bit.
I started out the 4 hour class with Johnny. I wish that I had another few more hours with him, but 2 hours will have to do for now. He started out with a very simple shot, but with that simple shot he was able to find a small flaw with all of the players in our group. Small things that don't seem that important, but in the grand scheme of things, they were huge.
Moved over to Nick's half of the lesson, and his was a bit different. He didn't have a set plan. He wanted us to ask questions and then he would answer them or show us how to do things. He went over a kicking system that will come in very handy.
Overall, the experience paid for itself. These two guys are EXTREMELY knowledgeable, and very personable. They didn't treat you like you were inferior to them. They honestly cared about making you a better player.
I'd like to thank them for everything they did, and wish them the best of luck with the school. It is a wonderful experience that I think everyone should take advantage of if they get the chance.
Also would like to thank Mark for organizing and bringing this opportunity to all of us. Mark, you're a hell of a nice guy and I'm sure we'll see each other again some day. Take care of yourself.
Tony
