Have you recently discovered darts? Then, you’re probably eager to learn more about this fascinating and challenging sport. But where to start with? There are so many rules and games and you’re barely discovering how to hold and throw the dart correctly. We’ve all been there, so we know exactly how you feel. That’s why we decided to share with you 6 basic tips that will help you hone your skills. Enjoy!
1 Practice regularly
The number one rule that applies not only to darts but to absolutely any new type of skill you want to acquire is regular practice. You’ll never be able to get to the next level in darts unless you’ve got enough time and energy to dedicate to this game, which you probably have since you’re here reading these tips. Regular practice will help you shape and perfect your throwing style.
You won’t become a pro in a few weeks, but you’ll clearly see obvious improvement after a few months of constant practice. As a general rule, it’s better to dedicate as little as 30 minutes per day to this game instead of playing for three hours in a row only at weekends.
2 Control your emotions
It goes without saying that darts is a competitive sport. Even if you’re only playing at home with friends or family for now, you’ll probably be eager to compete with strangers in a pub or even in a professional match someday. To get there and to have real chances to defeat other players, you should be able to control your emotions.
Many good players often lose at this game due to the simple fact that they can’t control their anger or excitement, which makes them act impulsively and miss the target. Even if everyone’s watching you and you’re really mad because you’ve lost important points, you must always focus on your next throw and try to cast away all the negative thoughts. Being calm and balanced will allow you to control your body, release the dart at the right time, and get the scores you long for. One good technique that will help you soothe your mind, especially in an important match, is breathing slowly and regularly.
3 Follow the recommended measurements
One of the basic rules you should follow from day one is respecting the official distances that apply to the dart game. By this, we mean the distance at which you hang your dartboard and the distance that separates you from the board when you’re aiming for the target.
According to the world darts federation, the best measurement to take into account when mounting your dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). You should measure this distance from the dartboard’s center to the floor when installing your board. You can use a measuring tape for this, or you can get a professional, quality dartboard like the one we offer here at IgnatGames that also comes with a free dart oche tape and a complete mounting kit with instructions. With this type of board, all your mounting problems are tackled from the beginning.
When you start practicing darts, the official standard distance you should take from the front of the board to the throwing line is 7 feet, 9 and ¼ inches (173 cm).
Following these official measurements is essential in order to learn how to play darts correctly, so make sure you get them right from the beginning.
4 Get a reliable set of darts
Just like it often happens in any other sport, the gear you’re using can make or break your game. To make the best out of each darts session, you need a reliable set of darts that will help you throw with ease and ensure a consistent flight trajectory.
Quality darts mean darts that are made of resistant materials that will stand the test of time. It’s a good idea to invest directly in this type of darts to avoid spending more in the long term. Cheaper darts might tempt you in the beginning, but starting with these is not necessarily a good idea as they break or bend easily, or their shafts come loose and you have to stop each time to retighten them.
Darts made of plastic aren’t the best option either, despite their price as they tend to deteriorate rapidly. One of the best options for beginner players are darts with aluminum shafts that are quite durable and reliable. After you’ve perfected your technique and you’re ready for an upgrade, you can opt for tungsten darts. You can find both these options in our catalog, so don’t forget to check it out before you leave.
5 Find the right grip
The first thing you should know is that there is no right or wrong way to grip a dart, but different options that suit different players. The only way to discover the perfect grip for you is by trying different variants. While many players find it comfortable to hold the dart with three fingers, others use four or five and there are even those experienced players who can throw the dart excellently by using two fingers only.
Your grip should be neither not too loose nor too tight. Darts requires very good precision and accuracy, which you can only gain with a controlled but relaxed grip.
The number of fingers you use also influences how well you can control the dart and how easily you can release it. The more fingers you use, the more control you gain but the more difficult it becomes for the dart to leave your hand. The most efficient and recommended grip for beginners is the 3-fingers grip. Try practicing this way for a while before shifting to another type of grip.
Also, keep in mind that the fingers you’re not using to hold the dart, should remain apart and not be closed into a fist. When you keep your finger curled into the palm, you produce extra tension, which prevents the dart from being released with ease, so keep them open and relaxed. Moreover, if you’re using steel tip darts, remember that the tip of the dart should be facing up.
6 Improve your stance
Finally, any beginner player should also pay attention to their stance as this element too has a great influence on how you throw the dart and how many points you score. The position from which you throw your darts will also change in time as you discover the most comfortable and efficient stance for your style. As you prepare to throw your dart, you should place your feet firmly behind the throwing line. The one that provides you more confidence should be positioned forward. You are allowed to lean over the throwing line, however, you should be careful when doing so because this move can make you lose your balance and affect your throw. Also, make sure you maintain a straight line between your body and the dartboard.
You will probably see that many players choose to take a side stance instead of standing with both their feet forward. If this is a stance you find more comfortable, you can definitely use it, especially if you see that it helps you score better. Just like your grip, your stance is something you improve in time, so do feel free to experiment before choosing the one that suits you best.
You can only get good at darts if you’re willing to be committed and practice regularly. Use the tips above to start developing your throwing style and don’t forget that we're always here to help you with quality darts gear. So, before you leave, check out our sturdy and reliable darts sets that are perfect for novice and pros alike.
*updated August 2022
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