Varner/Archer visit Betmore's Basement

Williebetmore

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Silver Member
Nick Varner, Johnny Archer, and bfdlad were kind enough to visit Betmore's Basement for a couple of days on their tour. I felt obligated to report, as it was in no way what I expected.

The feedback I get from these reports usually suggests that I am just flattering the pros...because they are pros. Nothing could be further from the truth. I call it like I see it; and this visit deserves special treatment.

They arrived in Indy; and had a very low attendance for their clinic (which has been VERY well attended in other cities). Most likely due to the last minute nature of the clinic (which did not allow for any broad advertising with the terrible ice storm here last week).

Nick and Johnny are 2 of the greatest players who have ever lived. I guess I just expected them to show up, do a perfunctory clinic and leave town. That is NOT what they delivered. They were extremely humble, gracious, and pleasant. They insisted on giving the clinic anyway (even just for 2 people), and also having a long, fun-filled dinner with us. They were quite anxious to make sure that the attendee's got close personal attention.

These guys are fun loving, yet still very professional. I was deeply impressed with the way they communicated their love of the game. They have a VERY special insight into what it takes to develop a pro quality game, and what it takes to give your best performance even under the most intense pressure. Their philosophy was that the pressure for all players (league hacker or pro) is very similar; and that their methods for combating the pressure and performing their best under that pressure are valuable for ALL amateur players.

These guys have competed (and successfully at that) at the very highest level, and their advice and analysis is tremendously valuable for the amateur player - the locals that did not attend missed it BIG TIME.

Both Nick and Johnny were extremely quick to spot the flaws in our fundamentals; and it is almost unbelieveable to me how much they helped me in a relatively short time. I can assure you that group or private lessons with these guys are well worth the time and money. I was unprepared for their obvious sincere commitment to teaching; but quite grateful now.

I have been around some of the best players and best instructors on the planet; and now that I have experienced a bit of their method I believe that Nick and Johnny are definitely in that upper echelon.

Though we all bemoan the fact that pool is a relatively obscure sport to mainstream America, and that it is a tragedy that there is little financial reward to be gained through it; we can ALL agree that we are VERY lucky that the situation allows us access (for a very reasonable price) to the thoughts and expertise of these legends.

Many thanks to the crew; it was an experience I will never forget.
 
Here's a photo of "eales" and Nick Varner; playing a bit of one pocket.
 

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The legendary basement hosting legendary players. Only fitting. :)
 
Just a wild guess, but Nick's pocket is to the right?

RS,
While Nick does not compete as often as he used to, he plays pretty sporty. His usual spot against players your level and below is: he has to run 8 and out or its no count. He is one of the best one pocket players ever; it was VERY impressive to watch.
 
"These guys have competed (and successfully at that) at the very highest level, and their advice and analysis is tremendously valuable for the amateur player - the locals that did not attend missed it BIG TIME."


Willie,

We didn't miss out, fortunately every time a pro comes to down we get a post about how you had them over at your house, so I feel like I was there.

Thanks for the post.
 
RS,
While Nick does not compete as often as he used to, he plays pretty sporty. His usual spot against players your level and below is: he has to run 8 and out or its no count. He is one of the best one pocket players ever; it was VERY impressive to watch.

So you are saying there are players who are more terrible than me??? Thanks!!!!

I've actually never seen Nick play, but I would love to see him in action. I don't think I would like to gamble against him if I have to make 8 balls too :thumbup:
 
Willie, what are you doing with the green tape marks on the floor? Break marks?
 
Willie, what are you doing with the green tape marks on the floor? Break marks?

J-man,
Wow, you are quite perceptive...were you using a magnifying glass to study the photos?

The tape lines on the floor are a Betmore invention. They were placed using laser sighting and plumb bob to make an exact extension of the shot line for 7 shots in Mark Wilson's shooting method. There are 7 reference shots in these drills; and when shooting them you can use the lines on the floor to make sure that your feet and body are positioned EXACTLY the same with respect to the actual line of travel for the cue ball on these shots. There are reinforcement "donut" stickers on the table to mark the object ball positions for each shot (all but 2 of the shots are struck starting with the cue ball on the spot)

When shooting straight in shots, most players come fairly close to consistent body position; but on cut shots it is amazing how variable the positioning is for amateur players (and more amazing how consistent the positioning is for the pros...even when they don't know what the lines are for).

I've been using these lines for a couple of months and am very pleased with how much progress I am making in my setup. I have helped elvicash and also a prominent pro player put the same lines on the floor for their tables; maybe they will weigh in with their thoughts on whether this is valuable. There is NO doubt in my mind that they would help all amateur players.
 
Williebetmore, I bet that was a real pleasure, Johnny and Nick over at the same time!

Nick Varner, Johnny Archer, and bfdlad were kind enough to visit Betmore's Basement for a couple of days on their tour. I felt obligated to report, as it was in no way what I expected.

The feedback I get from these reports usually suggests that I am just flattering the pros...because they are pros. Nothing could be further from the truth. I call it like I see it; and this visit deserves special treatment.

They arrived in Indy; and had a very low attendance for their clinic (which has been VERY well attended in other cities). Most likely due to the last minute nature of the clinic (which did not allow for any broad advertising with the terrible ice storm here last week).

Nick and Johnny are 2 of the greatest players who have ever lived. I guess I just expected them to show up, do a perfunctory clinic and leave town. That is NOT what they delivered. They were extremely humble, gracious, and pleasant. They insisted on giving the clinic anyway (even just for 2 people), and also having a long, fun-filled dinner with us. They were quite anxious to make sure that the attendee's got close personal attention.

These guys are fun loving, yet still very professional. I was deeply impressed with the way they communicated their love of the game. They have a VERY special insight into what it takes to develop a pro quality game, and what it takes to give your best performance even under the most intense pressure. Their philosophy was that the pressure for all players (league hacker or pro) is very similar; and that their methods for combating the pressure and performing their best under that pressure are valuable for ALL amateur players.

These guys have competed (and successfully at that) at the very highest level, and their advice and analysis is tremendously valuable for the amateur player - the locals that did not attend missed it BIG TIME.

Both Nick and Johnny were extremely quick to spot the flaws in our fundamentals; and it is almost unbelieveable to me how much they helped me in a relatively short time. I can assure you that group or private lessons with these guys are well worth the time and money. I was unprepared for their obvious sincere commitment to teaching; but quite grateful now.

I have been around some of the best players and best instructors on the planet; and now that I have experienced a bit of their method I believe that Nick and Johnny are definitely in that upper echelon.

Though we all bemoan the fact that pool is a relatively obscure sport to mainstream America, and that it is a tragedy that there is little financial reward to be gained through it; we can ALL agree that we are VERY lucky that the situation allows us access (for a very reasonable price) to the thoughts and expertise of these legends.

Many thanks to the crew; it was an experience I will never forget.

Williebetmore,
Some people have all of the fun. That had to be a special event at your place having Johnny and Nick over playing pool with you! Two Great players and very nice guys. Thanks for sharing with us. HMMMMM, Green lines on the floor, must mean money is in the house! Thanks again, WillieBetmore
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Willie,

Seriously, I am not trying to ruin your thread nor start a controversy, but I have a curiosity that I would like an answer to, if you do not mind me asking. In all the many hours you spent conversing with JA, did the subject about the DCC match against Adam Wheeler (the one he was late to) ever come up? If so, what was his take on this?

Maniac
 
Willie,

Seriously, I am not trying to ruin your thread nor start a controversy, but I have a curiosity that I would like an answer to, if you do not mind me asking. In all the many hours you spent conversing with JA, did the subject about the DCC match against Adam Wheeler (the one he was late to) ever come up? If so, what was his take on this?

Maniac

M-man,
Sorry, though I was aware of the subject, I had so little interest in it that I did not bring it up.

In my view, the controversy only revolves around the tournament staff, not Johnny. He was late to a match (not on purpose); what happened was solely up to the tournament directors - its their tournament. I believe he would have accepted disqualification without protest if it had been delivered.

Johnny should try to be on time. Adam should practice up a bit and work on his mental game so that such events don't bother him as much. The hallmark of the great professionals I admire most is "do your best, and NO excuses (even if you have a good one, keep it to yourself)." The tournament directors should stick strictly to their posted rules. Not much else of interest to me there.

Here is a great golf story. Bob Goalby (tour pro in the 60's) once said, "If you make an 8 on a hole, NEVER complain about it in the clubhouse. 95% of the other players DON'T CARE, and the other 5% wish it would have been a 9."
 
We had a great time at the Betmore basement. Don and his wife treated us like family and we could not ask for better hosts.
I do feel like i need to address the "ATM" remark about me. I will start with the excuses first. I do not play anymore, not sure why as I love the game and love to play. However playing at the basement lit a small fire inside me to play more again. So The first set with Williebetmore went hill/hill He took the cheese. The next set I got a real drubbing 7-3 I think, then I started to feel it and get confident on my shots and position play and I win the next set 7 to 3 I believe. This is when our host decides he is too tired to play anymore and quit on me as I was getting ready to get even. So the next time we are passing through Indy I want my chance.

Seriously, Thank you Don for your hospitality we all had a great time.
Mark,
 
We had a great time at the Betmore basement. Don and his wife treated us like family and we could not ask for better hosts.
I do feel like i need to address the "ATM" remark about me. I will start with the excuses first. I do not play anymore, not sure why as I love the game and love to play. However playing at the basement lit a small fire inside me to play more again. So The first set with Williebetmore went hill/hill He took the cheese. The next set I got a real drubbing 7-3 I think, then I started to feel it and get confident on my shots and position play and I win the next set 7 to 3 I believe. This is when our host decides he is too tired to play anymore and quit on me as I was getting ready to get even. So the next time we are passing through Indy I want my chance.

Seriously, Thank you Don for your hospitality we all had a great time.
Mark,

MC,
I'm sure the sun was in your eyes also. It will be fruitless for you to challenge me again. If you practice in the interval, I will just step up my non-stop sharking. You might as well resign yourself to your fate. You have no realistic chance to accomplish anything except the avoidance of serious personal injury.
 
MC,
I'm sure the sun was in your eyes also. It will be fruitless for you to challenge me again. If you practice in the interval, I will just step up my non-stop sharking. You might as well resign yourself to your fate. You have no realistic chance to accomplish anything except the avoidance of serious personal injury.
Archer was sharking me more that you were. In fact I don't think you sharked me at all. u better look out, I will be ready for you next time :)
 
Archer was sharking me more that you were. In fact I don't think you sharked me at all. u better look out, I will be ready for you next time :)

bfd,
I will admit that JA had an uncanny knack of asking you a question, or laughing just as you were getting ready to shoot. Oddly enough he didn't seem that upset when you accused him of sharking you.....I think it is just his way of helping you learn to play with pressure...if you ever win a match you could thank him, and throw him some jelly....
 
A lucky attendee.

I was the other guy at the Betmore Basement with Johnny Archer, Nick Varner, and Mark Cantril. It was an absolutely fantastic learning experience. I think over the course of 3 and a half or 4 hours JA and NV may have missed one ball each. Play was punctuated by questions and answers, so it went at a leisurely pace.

NV showed me how to break in 1 pocket and in a few minutes I went from 'serious sellout' to 'take that you fiend.' Then Willie and Johnny played Nick and I scotch doubles 14.1 race to 50. Willie and Johnny were trailing for most of the hard fought match, but managed to pull it out somehow.

Then everybody, but Willie, tried breaking 10-ball racks with the break speed app on 3 iphones monitoring, at once. The results are a highly guarded secret.

If you care about pool and have a chance to take the clinic from these champions, you won't regret it. I will remember the experience for the rest of my life.

Jim Eales
 
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