Darts is a fun game to play at a bar or a friend's house. You can compete seriously or just have fun in this game. Throwing darts requires good throwing and gripping stance, followed by a smooth, consistent release. You'll need to practice your darts regularly and take part in matches with other players to improve your technique.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting a Good Throwing Attitude
Step 1. Stand with your feet waist-width apart behind the throwing line
The throwing line, also known as the oche, must not be stepped on when throwing a dart.
Step 2. Face your body sideways against the dartboard with your dominant foot in front
Your feet are facing the side of the room, rather than the throwing line. If you are right handed, your right foot is in front and your big toe is directly behind the throwing line. Your left foot hits the floor behind your right foot.
- If you are left-handed, your left foot is in front and your right foot is behind your left.
- Your dominant hand should be in front and relaxed next to your dominant foot. If you are right handed, your right hand is in front, and vice versa.
- You can raise your heels slightly while in this position. However, don't lift your back leg. Make sure your weight is still on your feet.
- Avoid facing the body directly to the target board. This attitude is unstable. Your throw will be more accurate if you stand sideways to the target board.
Step 3. Rotate the front foot towards the center of the target board
Draw a shadow line from the center of the target board to the floor. Make sure your front foot is pointing at the shadow line on the floor. This stance will help keep your throw accurate and straight.
- Keep your back leg out to the side. Your body should still be facing slightly to the side, even if your front leg is tilted forward.
- You can mark a spot on the floor with your shoe so you can point your forefoot each time you throw.
Step 4. Keep your shoulders and waist straight
Don't bend your shoulders and waist too much. Try to keep both of them upright. Shoulders, waist and legs should always be straight when throwing darts.
Some players lean forward slightly above the throwing line to feel more comfortable and closer to the target. You can do this as long as your feet don't cross the throwing line. However, if you lean too far forward, your stance and throw will be compromised
Part 2 of 4: Grasping and Aiming the Arrow
Step 1. Grasp the body of the arrow with at least three fingers
Darts have a thickened body near the center. Grasp the body of the arrow with your thumb, index and middle fingers. You can also then hold the tip of the body of the arrow with your ring finger to strengthen the grip.
- Do not hold the arrow at the front end or the tail wing at the rear end.
- Do not curl your fingers while holding the arrow. Try to keep your fingers straight and open.
- Don't forget that you need to reduce the gripping fingers for short-bodied arrows. On the other hand, arrows with long bodies need to be grasped with more fingers.
Step 2. Keep your grip firm, but not too strong
Do not let your fingers turn white or stiffen from gripping the arrows. Darts is a game that emphasizes touch, rather than strength. The grip should be firm enough so that the arrow does not move and is easy to control.
When in doubt, grip it relaxed, not stiff. Then, you can adjust the grip strength if needed
Step 3. Raise the arrow to eye level
Swing your forearm forward while gripping the arrow with your fingers. Don't move your shoulders as you raise the arrow to eye level, next to your eye. Make sure your elbows are pointing at the target board.
Your shoulders, elbows, and hands should be in line and form a 90-degree angle, with your elbows slightly elevated
Step 4. Tilt the tip of the arrow slightly upwards
Try to tip the arrow slightly tilted up towards the target board. Don't let the tip go down or sideways as it will affect your shot.
Step 5. Align the tip of the arrow with the target on the board
Do not aim to the right or left of your target as this will make the throw worse.
Step 6. Use your dominant eye to aim
Usually, your dominant eye is the same as the side of your dominant hand. So, if you are left-handed, your dominant eye is the left eye. Try looking at the board while keeping your dominant eye open and closing the other eye.
Part 3 of 4: Releasing Arrows
Step 1. Throw the arrow with your hand and wrist
Pull your hands back slightly as you throw. Use your hands, wrists and elbows to speed up your throw. Don't move your shoulders to support the throw. Place your weight on your right foot when throwing darts.
- Do not lean back or swing sideways. The body must remain upright and straight. When throwing, only your arm moves.
- Your elbows may be slightly raised when throwing. The arrow will move up due to your throwing force.
Step 2. Flick your wrist as you release the arrow
Allow your wrists to jerk forward as you throw. Make sure your wrist doesn't jerk down because the arrow will fly down.
Wrist jerks are often used by professional players to increase arrow acceleration. Your throws also become more accurate and consistent
Step 3. Discontinue at the end of your throw
After the dart is thrown, allow your arm to continue the throwing motion so that the throwing fingers are pointing at the target, or at the floor. Keep your arms in the air for a while before lowering them down. This helps you maintain a good throwing stance until the end.
Part 4 of 4: Improving Darts Playing Skills
Step 1. Practice once a day
Consistency plays a big role in improving your skills. Practice throwing darts at least once a day for 30 minutes to an hour. Aim at various targets on the target board. Challenge yourself to hit the same target in succession. The more you practice, the better your game will be.
Step 2. Take part in public matches
Have a friendly match at your local bar. Invite friends to play darts at your house. Compete with different people of different skill levels to improve your technique.
Step 3. Take part in the darts league
To get into the habit of playing darts regularly, look for a darts league in your area. Ask a local bar or form your own league with friends. You can enter local darts competitions or contests and compete as a team against other teams.
