If you have come across this article, you are wondering how to hold a dart and do it well. You may just think that throwing darts is a bar’s game, but you can play with your friends or for a sense of competitive pride. No matter why you play, throwing darts requires a lot of moving pieces to get aligned.
First, you have to have a throwing stance that is impeccable. Then, you need the grip to boot. Lastly, a smooth release will make sure that your dart hits its target. With the help of practice regularly, you can improve the right technique to help you along the way. So, without further ado, it is now time to talk step by step on how to use darts appropriately.
How to Hold a Dart: Step by Step Guide
Knowing the step-by-step process is essential when holding a dart. Do not sweat the small stuff. This way, you will reign supreme when working hard to hit the bullseye time after time.
Getting Into Your Stance
Start by standing with your feet apart. By using a hip-width apart, you will prep yourself behind the throw line with ease. The throw line, which is also mentioned as “the oche” can never be crossed. If you do cross the line, you will be penalized by losing one of your throws.
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Going Sideways
After you have yourself behind the throwing line, it is time for you to stand sideways. Put your dominant foot ahead of your other foot. Are you right-handed? Then, you should put your right foot ahead of your left one. Have your big toe right behind the line.
But, what if you are left-handed? Then, you should just switch things up. Put your left foot ahead and have your right foot just behind the left foot.
Also, make sure that you always have your dominant hand right up next to your dominant foot. Keep your hand loose, so you are ready to throw with ease. As you throw, know that your back heel can rise off the floor. However, your entire foot cannot come up. If you do, you will be penalized. Just keep your weight on the floor.
By having the sideways stance, you will have better accuracy than a head-on stance. So, if you want to get better, you know what to do. Get yourself sideways for the betterment of your game.
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Turning Over A New Foot
Get your dominant foot pointing towards the middle of your dartboard. Imagine that there is a line at the dartboard’s center. With your foot pointing forward, you will get an accurate, straight throw. With your other foot turning sideways, try to mark the spots on the floor on where your feet should go every time.
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Shoulders & Hips That Do Not Lie
Keep your hips and shoulders connected. Without slouching, you will be able to keep your body in order. You may want to lean forward. This is possible if you want, but, as stated, do not go over the line.
Gripping Time
Alright, moving on the stance, it is time to know how to hold the dart’s barrel. On the barrel, make sure you have a minimum of 3 fingers on the dart itself. The barrel is the part that is raised on the dart. Specifically, this is near the middle of the dart.
With the help of your thumb, middle finger, and forefinger, hold on the barrel tight, yet comfortable. If you are looking for more stability, add your ring finger to the hold. Make sure that you never hold the dart at the very tip. Also, do not have your fingers curled. Instead, have your fingers long and open enough to make a great throw.
What if your dart has a short barrel? You will probably need fewer fingers on the barrel. However, if you have a longer barrel, you can imagine you will need even more fingers for stability reasons.
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Stable Not Firm
If you hold the dart to tightly, your fingers might start to turn white or your muscles will start to tense up. You know that tingling sensation you get when your fingers start to fall asleep. Do not let this happen to you. Instead, use your light taught on the darts. No force is needed in this sport.
By having your darts with a light drip, you will be in full control. If you are concerned with grip, know that is less is more here. You can always adjust your grip too. There is constant maneuvering in this activity.
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Eye-Level Raise
Now that you have the dart firmly in your grasp, it is time to raise your dart to eye level. By swinging your arm forward, you will evaluate the balance you have. Keep balanced shoulders as well, with the dart to the sides of your dominant eye. With your elbow pointed at a 90-degree angle, your shoulder, hand, and elbow will all be in unison together.
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Dart Tipping
Next, it is time to think of the tilt of your dart. By having the dart tipped upward, you will have a better aim than you might think. Make sure that you do not have the dart tipped down. This could be catastrophic for your throwing.
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Aligning Tip To Board
You are so close to throwing. Can you not feel it? Make sure the tip of your dart is aimed at the bullseye of your dartboard. Do not aim to the left or the right. Just aim for the direct center. This way, you will not have to worry about any bad throws.
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Dominant Eye Aim
With the help of your dominant eye, it is time to get your eye and throw in sync. By adding your dominant hand into the mix, remember that the right eye and right hand go together, while the left eye and left hand go together in darts. Close the non-dominant eye, so you can focus with your dominant one to make the ultimate throw.
Releasing Time
You are now ready to throw. Make sure that you pull your hand back slightly. With the help of your elbow, wrist, and hand, make sure your shoulder in place for the best support. By having more weight with the front foot, you will be able to throw the dart with perfection.
Remember that if you lean back or sway side to side, you will be off-target. Truthfully, your arm should be the only thing that is moving at this point. With the help of your elbow, throw the dart. You may notice your elbow raising slightly. This is not a problem since your body will align with the movement.
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Snapping Those Wrists
As you release the dart, snap your wrist forward. If you snap it downward, the dart will go down. If you do not snap it enough, the dart will go high. You are looking for the perfect snaping moving to help with acceleration, accuracy, and the most consistent of throws.
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Following Through
After you have done your best wrist snapping impression, following throw is imperative in darts, just like it is for so many other sports. So, let your arm continue ahead, with your fingers finishing to the target. It is almost like you are letting your arm push on ahead before you drop it never to your side. Good form is important here, and following through will do the trick.
Practice, Practice, Practice
If you continue to practice consistently, you will start to see better and better results. Start by practicing 30 minutes per day and work your way up. Prep your dart hold and throwing technique. Try aiming at different targets to challenge yourself. Then, you will become a better dart player than you ever thought possible.
Conclusion
We have now come to the end of our dart article. But, do not be alarmed. It is time for you to get to practice. Focus on how you stand, how you hold the dart, and what throwing should look like. This way, you will be a champ no matter if you play with your friends or try it out competitively. Best of luck in the world of darts. There is plenty to learn and plenty of time to have fun with this sport, so go out and enjoy it.