The Fundamentals
Before you worry about tactics, you need a repeatable throwing action. Consistency is what actually moves your average up.
Stance: your foundation
Everything starts at your feet. If your base moves, so does the dart.
Front foot on the oche sets your distance; back foot keeps you stable.
- Right-handed players lead with the right foot on the oche; left-handers, the opposite.
- Your throwing shoulder should point at the target — roughly a 45-degree angle to the board.
- Get 70-80% of your weight over the front foot. That leg is what anchors the throw.
The grip
Old cliché but it's true: hold the dart like you're holding a small bird. Firm enough that it can't fly off, light enough that you don't crush it. Three or four fingers is plenty. If your knuckles are white, you're squeezing too hard.
A relaxed pencil grip with three points of contact.
The throwing action
A dart throw is a lever, not a pitch. All the movement comes from the elbow.
- Shoulder: stays still. That's your pivot.
- Elbow: up, almost horizontal, pointed at the target.
- Follow-through: the bit most people skip. After the dart's gone, your hand keeps going and finishes pointing at the board. Watch any pro on TV — the follow-through is what makes the throw repeatable.
