How to Improve Your Stance When Playing Darts?

Beginner darters are always eager to learn more about the fascinating game of darts. There are so many interesting things to know about it, and the more knowledge you acquire, the better you become at darts ... if you’ve also got sufficient time to practice. Because one of the main factors that influence your chances to score at darts is your stance, here are some of the most useful tips and tricks you can apply to improve yours.

Always mind the oche line

The oche line is your reference point whenever you’re launching darts. The rules say that you must stay behind it when you aim for the dartboard. Always mind this line when you’re competing and make sure you don’t cross it, which means braking the rules.

You are allowed, however, to touch the line with your feet as long as you don’t cross it and to lean over it when you are throwing. Just make sure you don’t lean forward too much and end up loosing your balance, which might cause you to throw the dart astray or miss the section of the dartboard you’re aiming for.

Choose the stance that best suits you

There are a few different types of stances most darters opt for and our recommendation is to try to experiment with all of them so that you can choose the one that fits you best and helps you score more points. 

Whether you stand straight on, which means both your feet are aligned right next to the oche line or you choose a side-on stance in which one of your foot is standing on the line and the other one is placed behind it, you should feel comfortable while throwing. The stance you choose should also be the one that best helps you maintain your balance.

Learn to rely on your dominant foot

Except for the straight on stance, all the others require you to place one foot forward and this foot should always be your dominant foot, the one you usually rely on most, the one that is able to support your body’s weight. If you are right-handed, this foot should be your right one and the other way round if you are left-handed.

Another aspect to keep in mind is that you should never raise your dominant foot when you are aiming and throwing as this will affect your throw.

The non-dominant foot is the one that will help you gain balance, some players prefer to keep it firmly on the ground. However, experts say it’s more efficient to keep it slightly raised forward and let the toes support its weight.

Mind your arms and body position

When you’re at the oche line and you’re getting ready to launch your darts, your legs’ position isn’t’ the only thing you should be focusing on. Your overall posture is also important. To make a successful throw, you should keep your body a bit tilted and lean towards the dartboard. This way, you’ll manage to decrease the distance between you and the target, making it easier for you to score.

Your arms also play an important part in achieving a well-balanced stance. Your arm’s upper part should be parallel to the ground and the only part of your arm you should be moving while performing your throw is the joint. Avoid moving your shoulder because this will affect your balance and precision. When you release the dart, your arm will extend and form a 180 degrees angle with the ground.

All in all, don’t forget that darts is a precision game and you can only excel at it by practicing a lot. Your stance is essential in making or braking your game, so keep in mind the tips above the next time you play a game of darts and don’t forget we’re also here to support you with quality darts at all times.