There are many tips and strategies you can apply if you want to get better at darts. However, there is no gain without pain, as they say, so don’t expect the progress to be sudden. Many professional darts players train for several hours a day, for a few years, before they manage to conquer a title. Just like any other sport, darts requires time, patience, and of course, pleasure. If you’re really into this sport and you want to become better at it, here are some areas you should focus on.
Mind your position
In the beginning, you might not put great emphasis on your posture because you will be focusing only on throwing darts and making sure they reach the target. Moreover, if you’re playing darts with friends in a pub, probably no one minds this aspect a lot. However, professional darts players advise us to position ourselves correctly if we want to play this game the right way.
A correct position implies stepping behind the throw line and in a straight line with the dartboard. If you extend an arm forward, you should see it aligned with the dartboard. This position is essential because it allows you to launch your darts directly toward the board and aim easier.
Always Follow Through
The way you grip your darts is important as your grip is directly linked to your darts’ trajectory and chances to score. Whether you grip your dart with 2, 3, or 4 fingers, you should make sure that your chosen grip allows you to throw with confidence while feeling comfortable.
However, there is another aspect you should also mind when launching darts. Your arm should always follow through. Your throw doesn’t stop once the dart is released. By moving your arm forward even after you release the dart (aka ‘follow through’), you add more consistency to your throws.
Track your progress
To know what skills you need to improve in order to get better at darts, you should track your progress. This will happen naturally because you will realize how your aim is improving. However, there is something else you should be focusing on: the part of the board you hit.
In short, there are two essential areas you will be focusing on, if you practice common 01 games like 501: the high numbers and outs. You can start by focusing on each one of them. For example, aim to hit the same high numbers several times in row, to improve your target. Once you feel comfortable with those, start doing the same with outs, and always keep track of your progress. Count the number of times you were able to hit a certain number.
Be mentally prepared for darts
Darts is an entertaining activity, however, if you really want to make headway, you will understand that this requires both physical and mental preparation, just like any other sport. Darts involves a lot of concentration. In fact, many pros state that it is 90% mental and 10% physical. If you take a look at many darts champions, you will realize that, indeed, you don’t need to have outstanding physical qualities for this sport because the key to their success is dexterity and focus.
To train your mind for this game, if you feel that you’re lacking the necessary concentration, you can apply different strategies: meditation, breathing techniques, a regular sleep schedule, music, all these can help you boost your concentration.
Finally, don’ forget that you need quality darts gear if you want to be able to play this game properly and master it one day. Don’t go for the cheapest set of darts that bounce out or loose their shafts while you practice. This will only make things hard and disappointing. There are numerous quality darts products out there and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. At IgnatGames, you can find professional steel tip darts and dartboards, along with a series of reliable accessories and regular discounts.
*updated October 2022
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