Throwing darts well takes practice, but learning proper technique and key skills can help accelerate the process. This comprehensive guide covers everything a beginner needs to know about getting started in dart throwing. From choosing the right equipment to honing stance and grip, we outline the fundamentals that will help build a solid foundation for success.
Selecting the Right Dartboard and Darts
The first step in learning to throw darts is choosing the proper equipment. While casual players may be content using less expensive boards and darts found in bars and game rooms, those looking to develop their skill should opt for higher quality gear.
The best dartboards have tightly packed sisal fibres that allow for consistent dart penetration and minimal bounce outs. Popular brands like Viper and Unicorn offer durable boards built to withstand heavy play. Choosing between steel tip and soft tip darts depends on your preferences and whether you plan to play professionally. Soft tip darts with plastic tips are ideal for electronic boards and home use. For traditional bristle boards, opt for steel tip darts weighted between 16-24 grams to provide stability during throws. Barrel shape and grip type also vary, so test different darts to find what feels most natural.
Once you have quality darts and board, make sure to position it at regulation height (5 feet 8 inches) and install proper lighting. This will ensure you are practising in the same environment as tournament play.
Developing the Proper Throwing Stance
Throwing with consistency and control starts with adopting the proper stance in front of the dartboard. Stand squarely facing the board with feet hip-width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent and weight evenly distributed between both feet. This balanced position will make throwing from the elbow easier.
When choosing where to stand, consider the distance guidelines based on height. For most adults, the optimal throwing distance is about 7 1⁄2 feet from the face of the dartboard. This allows enough space for a full arm motion while still permitting precision. Stance position can be adjusted from the centre seam or slightly to the left or right depending on personal preference. Just be sure feet are behind the throw line.
Maintaining a steady upper body is also key for accuracy. Your head should be up and focused on the board, with shoulders relaxed and squared. Slight forward bends at the waist helps in alignment, but too much leaning can throw off balance. Find a centred, balanced stance that feels controlled.
Proper Dart Grip and Throwing Motion
How you hold and release the dart has a significant impact on its flight path. Using proper grip and throw techniques is critical for developing reliable aim. Here are some key pointers:
- Hold the barrel gently between the thumb, index and middle fingers. Keep other fingers extended straight.
- Keep wrist firm during the throw. Power should come from elbow motion, not wrist flicking.
- Draw dart back in a smooth, controlled motion. Pull the elbow straight back to ear height.
- Release dart with a gentle flick of the fingers, keeping the wrist locked. Follow through directly at the target.
- Avoid dropping the elbow or pointing it away from the target on backswing or release. Keep the elbow up and in line with the shoulder.
- Let the arm extend fully on follow through before retracting. No quick jerky motions.
- Maintain consistent grip pressure and release point for every throw.
Throwing the same way each time trains muscle memory for accuracy. Initially go slow, focusing on smooth motions and straight elbow alignment before building up power and speed.
Aiming and Targeting Best Practices
Being able to consistently hit your spots on the board requires mastering proper aiming techniques. Here are some tips for honing targeting skills:
- Focus eyes intensely on the exact target spot before and during the throw.
- Use fixed reference points on the wall and board for alignment help.
- Pick specific scoring zones or sections to target practice. Move around the board.
- Imagine throwing through the board into the wall to follow through effectively.
- Stand sideways to just one side of the dart and align the centre before throwing.
- Adjust stance left or right to compensate for missed shots landing off centre.
- Maintain follow through after release by holding the pose until the dart reaches the target.
Practising drills aimed at tightening shot groupings within each scoring zone will refine accuracy. Recording and tracking results helps measure real throwing improvement over time.
| Scoring Zone | Recommended Drills |
|---|---|
| Bullseye | Throw 10-20 darts focusing solely on bullseye. Track percentage of hits. |
| Doubles/Treble | Alternate throwing at D20, D19, D18 etc. Notice aiming adjustments. |
| High Numbers | Practice rounds aimed only at 19-20 slices. Go for triples. |
| Low Numbers | Target practice on 1-9 slices. Focus on tight shot groupings. |
Developing a Repeatable, Refined Throwing Routine
Top dart throwers all have personalised throwing rituals they move through on each shot. Establishing your own consistent pre-shot routine is important for focus and precision. Elements often include:
- Set feet in optimal stance position
- Perform two to three practice swings or motions without releasing
- Grip dart and hold briefly in pre-throw position
- Focus eyes and mentally target specific area of board
- Initiate gentle backswing and smooth forward throwing motion
- Follow through fully, holding finish posture briefly
- Avoid distractions and external movements during routine
- Relax between throws to avoid tension; take breaths
Make the steps second nature through repetition. The routine should be exactly the same on every attempt. This breeds consistency. Refine the process over time to ingrain ideal mechanics.
In conclusion, becoming a skilled dart thrower requires dedication to learning proper fundamentals and refining technique. But armed with the right gear, stance, grip, throwing motion, aim and consistent routine, accuracy and scoring ability will improve dramatically. Stick with the basics outlined here to develop capabilities to a high level.