Throwing darts is part technique and part practice. However, before you can practice, you need to learn the proper method or else risk practicing bad habits. Darts is a game that can be played for fun, competition or both. Darts may seem like a simple game, but there is a lot more to it than just standing there and throwing a few darts at a board. To get the most points you will need to know the proper stance and throwing form to ensure the greatest accuracy. Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to throw darts.
Dart Throwing Tips from a Pro
source: www.youtube.com
In this video, professional dart thrower Phil Taylor gives the viewers 5 tips for improving your dart game. He gives some good tips and also incorporates a little humor. Some of the tips include: use the right gear, have the right stance, and use correct throwing technique.
Step 1: Stance
- The foundation of any good throw is the proper stance.NiceDarts: The Proper Stance for Throwing Darts Your stance should be one that feels natural while keeping your balanced.Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques Without a good stance, you will have difficulty achieving an accurate throw.DartChucker.com: Throw Darts Like a Pro
- Align your body with the center of the dart board.NiceDarts: The Proper Stance for Throwing Darts
- You may stand sideways or directly facing the board.NiceDarts: The Proper Stance for Throwing Darts
- Keep your shoulders parallel to the ground.The Dart Thrower: The Mechanical Basics of Throwing Darts - The Stance
- Your back should be straight.The Dart Thrower: The Mechanical Basics of Throwing Darts - The Stance
- Your dominant foot should be slightly forward and against the throw line.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques
- Keep both feet flat and secure on the floor.Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques Don't lift your heels off the floor.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques
- Your weight should be distributed evenly between your feet.Marie Claire: How to Throw Darts If you lean toward one side, you will grow fatigued and lose accuracy in your throws.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques
Step 2: Grip
- Now that you have your body in position, it is time to pick up a dart. How you grip your dart is a matter of preference, but there are a few basic guidelines you should follow:Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques
- Start by finding the dart's center of gravity. This can be done by balancing the dart on your palm between your thumb and little finger.NiceDarts: The Basic Dart Grip
- Once the dart is balanced, use your thumb to roll it out to your finger tips.NiceDarts: The Basic Dart Grip
- Place your thumb slightly behind the dart's center of gravity.NiceDarts: The Basic Dart Grip
- Keep as many fingers on the dart as feels comfortable and natural.The Dart Thrower: The Mechanical Basics of Throwing Darts - The Grip
- Hold any fingers that are not on the dart away from the dart to ensure a smooth release.NiceDarts: The Basic Dart Grip
- Keep your fingers relaxed and free of tension.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques
- Your grip should be not too firm and not too loose.
- Most people make the mistake of holding the dart too loosely.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques
- If your fingers turn white, your grip is too tight.
- One suggestion is to hold a dart the same way you hold a potato chip.NiceDarts: The Basic Dart Grip
- Keep your dart level, pointed at the board.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques
- YouTube: How to Play Darts: How to Hold Darts (Time: 2:10)
Step 3: Throw
- With your dart in your hand, you are almost ready to throw. Throwing a dart is similar to throwing a paper airplane or swinging a hammer.Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques NiceDarts: How to Throw a Dart Here are some basics on how to properly throw a dart:
- Your dominant eye, elbow and hand should be in line with your target.NiceDarts: How to Throw a Dart
- Keep your upper arm parallel with the floor.Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques
- Your forearm and wrist should be at a 90 degree angle from your upper arm.The Dart Thrower: The Mechanical Basics of Throwing Darts - The Throw
- As you extend your arm to throw the dart, your elbow will rise.NiceDarts: How to Throw a Dart
- Allow your arm to extend after releasing the dart so it is pointing at the dart board.Dart World: Dart Throwing Techniques
- Your wrist should remain steady. Don't flick it.Marie Claire: How to Throw Darts
- Your feet should remain flat on the ground.TalkDarts.co.uk: Darts Training & Techniques
- YouTube: How to Play Darts : How to Throw Darts (Time: 1:00)
Conclusion
- Now that you have learned how to throw darts, you may want to learn more about the game by checking out Mahalo's page on How to Play Darts. You might also be interested in the other games featured on Mahalo such as pool, poker and Texas hold em'.
What are some good ways to practice throwing darts without actually throwing them at a dartboard?(1 Answer)
A:
Throw them at a cork board or use home made darts made out of tin foil with chewing gum on the head.
How do you play darts....(1 Answer)
A:
This is roughly like saying "How do you play cards?". There is no one specific game of "darts". Darts are the implements used to play a whole host ...
What is the most fun to play carnival game and why? (4 Answers)
A:
I have always loved playing the balloon dart game. I grew up playing darts, so this game was always easy for me to win the prize I wanted ...
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Your stance should be balanced.
-
Fact:
Leaning can do more harm than good.
-
Fact:
Place your dominant foot slightly forward.
-
Fact:
Grip the dart not too hard or too light.
-
Fact:
Only your arm should move during your throw.
-
Fact:
Keep your wrist steady.
