Here is a conversation with Jon Willis of Canada, another passionate darter you should know.

This may take a little time to answer--that's a lot of questions here, LOL :)

I first took interest in this sport after watching my parents and their friends play in our basement each Friday night! My first attempt to throw began with a brass set with feather flights, when my parents were not home. I am 50 years old at present and I've played darts for approximately. 38 yrs. I joined the R.C.L, the Canadian Legion, similar to V.F.W. I was 18 at the time and I was the new kid on the block. There were many veterans in the legion that played darts and took any and all challenges. Back in those days, we played for a draft beer or a half dollar. Needless to say I helped a lot of players to drink.

Today I throw with a set of Target Sport, 22 grams, with the longest Jockey Wilson nylon shaft and a Vortex flight.

I have always been outspoken therefore I am generally the team Captain, though usually my mouth gets me in hot water, LOL :). I really believe that all players are equal in their willingness to play and deserve to partake and play regardless of their ability to shoot well. This includes all players both male or female!

I was active in four leagues at once plus all the tournaments nearby! Different leagues offer different mindsets from fun to competitive and each has its merits. It all boils down to who you play against as to which frame of mind you need to use. Note: I love the competitive darts the most because of the rush you get when you are in the zone!

I have always had the ability to draw a blank when I toe the line, then not much happens up there.

My favorite out is the one I hit of course!

Besides that, I don't have a favorite number because the last time I measured them only the bull was different, having said that...understanding number combinations DOES matter when finishing the game! We all have darts that aren't as well as we hope they are to be; a slump may be just a plateau that you reach and once you elevate your game these levels fall behind; new goals are set.

My first Ton-80 gave me a dry mouth because I told every person who came close to me for several months after i hit it! Needless to say I was excited and HOOKED FOR LIFE!

I an open to any new game played on a dartboard but cricket and then '01 is most common for me. I love singles most, then doubles but I seem to excel at teams most often. Or, maybe I just get lucky and play with some great people and great teams. It doesn't matter to me as long as I'm playing. I'm not a fast thrower so teams seem to suit me best. I am very fortunate to have an equally addicted wife who will spar with me at the drop of a challenge. And the recent addition to my home allows us to play in a great dart room! We usually play a race to five games, playing double in double out '301 on a Winmau Champion's Choice Board.

Now, I scout out tournaments all the time on the web, etc. I get to go to so many that I really can't complain!

I have only been coming to Chicago for the Windy City Open for the last 5-6 years, but I intend on keeping that tournament on my list of top tourneys because of the competition! This one of my favorites because of the top calibre of players who attend. Aside from darts, I have made many, many good friend there!

Canada has very competitive shoots throughout the different provinces. The problem for me is the distance to travel to shoots and the lack of shoots available. They seem very spaced out on the ca lender. Usually the Bull's Eye News Magazine web site has the tournaments listed with the guaranteed payouts or pro-darts. Also the N.D.F.C. will post these shoots.

I enjoy playing blind draws and partake when ever possible. I recently played on four different teams during the week plus as many tournament as possible on the weekends. By design games (and darts are no different) are sometimes chance. Darts is a sport by design because of the level of skill necessary to succeed at the most competitive level. I think when enough countries demand it then competitive darts will become an Olympic sport. Plus it may be applied to a team event or individual event.

My practice routine changes as tournaments become available. For example, if my doubles aren't sharp as I want them to be, then I gear myself to play the outside of the board. Or, if I am heading to the US for a tournament, then I practice my triples for cricket. I plan my practice with breaks included to simulate the tournament play down pat. You can vary your play times to help with the long days of darts at poorly run shoots. Keeping your energy level up is sometimes difficult!

My wife and I will be celebrating our first anniversary on July 7th. Believe it or not but our honeymoon was at a tournament called The Dartbowl, which is held near Akron, Ohio. And my darts were in my top pocket during my wedding. In retrospect, darts have taken priority over many family functions which has probably caused some issues but my family also understands my passion for this sport!

When I have decided to schedule an up coming tournament to partake in, then my practice is adjusted to fit the shoot. As this date gets closer, my intensity level also rises! My body begins to change as it gets closer to the tournament and I plan to compete. For example, my sleep gets interrupted by my mind running all the possible scenarios that may happen and how I am going to deal with them. Honestly, my heart rate climbs quite a bit whenever I replay my game in my head. In a perfect world I would be totally calm and each and every dart would fall exactly as expected - hitting my target. But this often is not the case because it is very difficult to stop thinking about the game, the tournament and my opponents. This seemingly goes on for a week before I travel to go play and then once on the road the calming effect sets in, thank goodness!

Then the closer I get to the venue I start planning my day. Like others in the sport I get a little superstitious and I have my own routine. I like arriving early so I may be relaxed, next I take a hot shower and then a possible nap. Next, its off to check out the venue if I haven't been there before.

When I have right mindset then my thoughts turn to daydreams and visualization - without a care in the world, and my expectations also climb. If my stroke is on track and right where I want it to be - its very hard to explain. Certainly, my emotions are there when I play well and its very intoxicating! I usually will be overcome with excitement especially when I have beaten a player whom I believe is a good opponent, but this feeling can also defeat you if you don't keep it in check. The idea is to remain calm and not to show your emotions! The more calm that you appear then the more pressure you place on your rival. Then it becomes a battle of who will mess up first, LOL :)

I usually make a little money at every shoot but I have never won real large amounts at any tournament. Top 8 or top 16 is common but on occasion top 4 and second place happens! When this happens and I am playing well I feel good for myself and this happens partly because I play with some exceptional partners.

Overall all my darting experiences are good because I simply love to play the game. I was most excited when I was in Chicago to play and watch the pros during a PDC event. Without sounding negative...that would be when I drew a player with a bad attitude and a jerk which unfortunately happens from time to time.

My dream open doubles partner? This is a toss up between Mr. John Part or Phil Taylor! My dream mixed partner would be either Trina Gulliver or Stacey Bromberger. That was tough to answer because I respect and admire so many talented players both professional and amateur.

I don't have one single mentor - what I had was a host of players whom I studied. I never stop watching darter's mannerism and attitudes toward this sport even today. I am fascinated with watching players preform especially if they are "on" their game. I will watch darts on television or my PC and I turn off the volume to concentrate on their throws and study them. I would love to spend a day in Phil Taylor's shoes to study his character and learn as much as he would offer to teach me. So far, in my book, he is the best world professional dart player and I think he is a class act.

As for pubs, they use whatever attracts the customers to their venue whether it be darts, pool or cards, etc. And it's not just in pubs that darts are played, so many play at home.

Alcohol has been used as a crutch for this sport for several years since many sponsors are selling their product in bars and using darts to promote the game. Alcohol in moderation is fine. It is only when excessive drinking becomes a problem then darts takes a bad rap. As for televised darts, the sponsors have cleaned up that image for television and I am all for it. This looks much more professional! Don't take me wrong, I also like to drink but I also practice alot without drinking. Drinking should not be my excuse for failure, or anyone elses for that matter. I will support my sponsor out of respect for their support in our sport.

Ranking is for bragging...I think the ranking points are a waste of time because alot depends on your personal schedule and /or your sponsorship. The more you play the more points you can earn. This still does not make you the best player, it only represents your attendance record at these ranked events. The players who have all the points are obviously playing more often while the rest of us work at our day jobs, LOL :)

Right now I play three times a week during the summer and from 5 to 6 during the winter months. Unfortunately, I haven't played well enough to be sponsored but having my expenses covered would be a treat! (Isn't that every darter's dream?) I met Jockey Wilson and Mike Gregory while they toured Ontario, Canada back in the eighties and early nineties. Still, I enjoy watching Phil Taylor and John Part.

Game strategies vary based on your skill level - what may work for you won't necessarily help some one else, therefore you must decide at that moment of play what your plan of attack is. If it was wrong you will have already lost to your opponent's better choice, LOL :)

Since I love cricket I always go for the most points available regardless if I need them or not. I have earned some choice names from doing so. But points are important to winning the game - that's why I am competing, but going for points for the wins will not necessarily make friends along the way.

I have collected many trophies and plaques over the years which usually end up collecting dust. So, along with a few friends we donate these trophies and plaques to area youth dart programs, minus the event/name plates, of course.

I haven't played soft-tip yet therefore I can't compare electronic and steel-tip darts. However, I prefer steel because that's what I grew up with.

I consider myself very passionate about our sport for many reasons which would take too long to type out. In short, I will say that I eat, sleep, play and talk darts non-stop. Just ask anyone who has met me or knows me. Both my personalized plates on my cars say "DARTNUT" and "DARTNUT2". I have to admit that when my wife and kids gave the personalized plates to me that I actually cried, happy tears of course!

To me success can be measured by wins or the ability to compete well. This means one must carry yourself in a way that people will remember you as a friend. I feel very successful in having a lot of dart friends; Win or lose I usually gain a new friend therefore i always win!

My love for this sport is endless but the feeling that I get when I am in the "ZONE" is what really drives me to continue playing!

I practice alone and I am tweaking my throw. This allows me proper time to correct any problems that I may have. Then I practice when and where my friends gather to hone my game even more, which is usually at the club or the bar. I prefer to practice with my opponents because it represents the real game. Sometimes I am able to take out shots or even the short games will work to get better.

My favorite dart pub would have to be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the owner is also a player, the Westwood at the Crossing. This is where the owner and league players run a great tourney and they also support other tourneys by traveling and playing elsewhere.

Lately the PDC events have drawn my attention but my favorites are "Shoot the Rapids", "The Windy City Open and the Allstate" in Jackson. I play most shoots in Michigan, Ohio or the one tournament in Chicago. I try to attend about ten tournaments a year in the US. I remember playing in Grand Rapids a few years ago and I was splitting the money pots with three other players. They were all winning money that weekend, but because I was not throwing so well I marked (chalked) as many matches as possible for my mates. Therefore, I became the paid chalker. Although I chalked the most I also got to see the best darts thrown and up close, LOL :) And there is no better way to learn the game!

The best part of a tournament is the friends that I gain because you just can't have enough friends. PS, and an event which is well run!

I have no short term goals just long term goals, LOL :) To play as many tournaments as I can afford to travel to. Toward that end I regularly attend Dartbowl, The Great Lakes Challenge, Shoot the Rapids, The Windy City Open, all state open, The Blood Shot Open, The B\buckeye Open, The Youngstown Charity Shoot, The K/W Open and The Oshawa Motor City Open (which is now replaced by The Niagra Open.) Generally if a shoot is 5-10 thousand or more I am definitely interested in participating! I would love to travel farther to play but expenses won't allow it at this time as I am not yet sponsored. I would love to go play in the The US Open in Connecticut and The Peach Tree open to start with.

As for tournament events, I love all single events the most but doubles are also good as well as draw or partnered open or even mixed-events!

I have always been lucky with getting quality partners! Somehow they seem to find me and very rarely have I not played because I didn't have someone to pair up with. I usually bring my wife and a friend to pair with, but on occasion someone will back out and I will still go to play these events. That's when I may encounter someone who I might not normally want as a partner, LOL :)

Personally, I feel that I never reached my prime earlier even though the drive has been there and now I seem to peak now and then. Unfortunately. my employment gets in the way which is also what gets me there now. Earlier my priorities were a lot different -- family, etc.

My struggles have included loss of focus and muscle pain in shoulder and wrist. The muscle pains I deal with because of my age and work. The loss of focus has required a little more work. It all started when I became complacent with my game and I wasn't sharp enough to be aware of it and to stop it early. I allowed this mindset to flourish and control my game, which took a turn for the worse. I began accepting mistakes as normal which is wrong, wrong, wrong! This then became my routine in practice, again not a good idea! Then frustration set in along with doubt. At that point my head was full of BAD ATTITUDE. This upset me greatly, then one day I was daydreaming (as i usually do about darts) and I allowed the light to come back on! My passion and desire to succeed began to take over and drive away all the bad attitude. As this began to consume my day so did my new practice routine. With the help of my understanding wife I have taken a new approach to my practice. My first rule is never practice your mistakes, of course, and also be sure to have a proper warm up period. My expectations have to go hand in hand with my mood -- mind over matter. My practice also includes proper footwear which is simulation to real game, and MOST of important of all -------- my breathing is the most important part of staying in the zone, once you arrive at this level of your game. I cannot stress enough how much this matters to maintaining 'your zone' and this requires a lot of attention. Lastly, I take breaks in practice, just like in tournament play. Face it, you don't play for five hours straight without resting or eating. So hopefully the results and preparations will mimic the real competitive games when necessary!

I know that the Dartmaster is an electronic scoring device. However, I prefer to use my mind rather than an electronic device to count. I realize that there is more to it than that, but I feel these devices hinder your ability to think for yourself, especially in the strategies of cricket. I once witnessed a young person using a calculator to subtract 5 from 10 and that is sad because that is just basic math.

I search the Internet daily to find dart related material and thru e-mails that I receive and flyers, the move in darts today is to become a professional sport where income can be earned based on ability. The PDC has made great strides lately in bring darts out of the pubs and into mainstream sports, worldwide. It is about time!!!!

Personally, I believe leagues need to communicate better with each other and the players, and to create a network to facilitate this, as well as the need to schedule tournaments so we can play a circuit near each other without duplicate dates. I realize this has its setbacks but communication is never a bad thing. I would also like to see leagues have challenges against each other with the winners going to a larger tournament!

In the US, this is already happening so Canada needs to follow suit by having more tournaments to play in with larger payouts. There are plenty of smaller shoots where driving there cost more money that a darter could possibly win.

Having run both league play and tournaments, I feel that too many rules become too restrictive to growing a league. On the contrary, this sometimes hinders growth, even when some rule are not necessary!

As for tournaments --- structure is good but tournaments need to be run on time because when this happens more players will return to play again! Dragging out events means that I won't return the next time, or the next time or the next time. For new players become interesting in the game and play, organizers should turn to television or to the PC/Internet to find out the best way to learn the game. The next step is to set up an inexpensive dart court and play against friends. The web is full of excellent articles about the sport of darts...If you are old enough to join a league geared to learning the game -- youth or senior, the best advice that I have for a newby would be stay calm and relaxed.

My wife is also addicted when challenged. Mostly I practice alone especially when my wife isn't around; she doesn't prefer to play alone. She is my choice for my mixed-partner but I play with others when and if she is not going to the shoot. I thinnk that she has progressed to be a better player this year, but she still has some work to do on her choices of finishes. She only started to play a few years ago and is just now starting to participate in the better shoots. She also has accepted offers to pair up with better female shooters which has definitely improved her game. After running a ladies league for four years, she finally won her first place this last season and each of the last three years she is always in the top eight!

I usually lead by example and treat others with respect . Hopefully I am teaching others to do the same. I have favorite players whom I enjoy watching or playing but those whom I admire are the ones who work the events and run the leagues. These are the people who provide the venue in which I can play my game because with out their hard work and dedication this sport would not exist. There are never enough thank-yous for those who do the work! And I always go out of my way to let them know that they are appreciated!

My only daughter is expecting her first child around the time of the Windy City Open, in Chicago this September and if all goes well I will be there attending that shoot. Maybe you and I will have an opportunity to meet and talk in person or take a couple pictures - I am looking forward to it.

I work in Chatham, Ontario at Navistar Truck Plant and unfortunately, I only have one hobby -- darts! I would share more about me but I think that I have already said too much, LOL :) Post Script: I would like to thank Kat McCann for being one of my dart friends, thanks again.

I once read a book by Charles Garfield regarding the mental training techniques of the worlds greatest athletes. The most obvious exercise used in this book was about controlled breathing. Without it everything else fails. I quess you'll have to read the book...

~From Canadian Darter Jon Willis