5 Common Mistakes: Darts Throwing

1. Your Balance



Stability is the key to be in control of your throw. 

If you are feeling uncomfortable while taking aim, ask yourself a few questions:
e.g. Are the shoes you are wearing giving you proper balance?
Are you standing in a comfortable & stable position? Are your clothes restricting your movement? etc.

One of the most common mistakes will be bad posture. Your body has to be aligned to the target & be in a comfortable position before attempting a throw.
Other things like improper footwear or restrictive clothes will throw you off balance when attempting your throws.



2. Your Aim



Parallax & offset error often occur when taking aim at the target. This error also occurs in our daily lives when we see things that make us thought to be in a certain way where it is actually not.

Take note of:
e.g. Whether your head is tilted,
Whether you are aiming from the side of the target,
Whether your arm and dart is facing the target, etc.


3. Your Wrist


If it rotates during the throw, the dart will be a tad more dangerous than its made to be (Would you like to try that??).

This soft part of our body needs to be firm when throwing the dart.
Keep it locked as when you took the aim & let your elbow do the good job.



4. Your Grip


While holding the dart, make sure the grip is firm and stable

Too much pressure on the dart may result in a late release of the dart or too much strength in the throw (may create instability).
Too loose & let the ceiling be your target instead.



5. Your Emotions


Focused, calm & relaxed will be feelings that you would like to have while attempting the throw.

Keeping yourself in the mood gets you more confidence, more confidence will lead you to better performance, thus boosting your confidence, thus making you feel great, thus getting your targets, thus..............................................(it's a cycle!).

If you missed a shot, know that you will eventually hit it.

Encourage yourself. Stay positive.
Be patient with your body as it is adjusting to be the genius of your wish. 

Phenomenal Shot to Win the Game : Phil Taylor vs James Wade World MatchPlay Final

Ridiculous Bullseyes

Vintage: 10 Times Champion with a Perfect Game

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/40590/perfect_game/

Ricky Evans Lightning Shots: PDC World Championship

Practice make Perfect : Practice Routine

How to throw Darts: Basic Video

Unbelievable 17 Consecutive Perfect Dart Throw : Michael van Gerwen

Incredible Dart Game Round 1 : Michael van Gerwen vs Rene Eidams

5 Simple Steps to Darts Throwing

1. Feel the Dart



Darts comes in several different forms. Therefore, understanding & getting used to the dart’s shape, size & weight will be crucial to master the dart.

Hold it in your opened palm and feel the weight of it. Then, close your palm and feel the shape & size of it. Now, you should have an idea of the dimension & the position of the center of gravity of the dart.



2. Holding the Dart



Your grip should be stable & firm without much effort.

Use the middle finger, thumb & index finger to hold the dart at its center of gravity. (Middle finger closer to the dart’s tip while middle finger & thumb closer to the back)
Your other fingers should feel comfortable when spreading away from the dart.

*Using more than 3 fingers may increase the chances of making mistakes, however, do so as you feel necessary.

3. The Stance 



The way of positioning your body will determine the stability of your body during the dart throw. You will be able to focus better in a stable & comfortable position.


Point your (same as your dart throwing arm) foot towards the target. This foot should be closer to the board than the other for better weight distribution.
Align your dart throwing arm & eye to that foot to throw straighter naturally.



4. Aiming with the Dart



Due to gravity, the dart will have to fly in parabolic curve to reach the target.

Keep your dart pointed upwards as the dart should fly in a parabolic manner.
Your forearm and arm will should form an angle of about 90 to 50 degree to be able to throw upwards.



5. Throwing the Dart


Bulls-eyes!

Before & during the throw, you have to feel relaxed & focused to get your dart onto the target. 

Keep the front foot flat on the ground while the other relaxed to maintain balance.
Lean slightly forward while relaxing your front leg to stabilize your throw. Your front knee should bend comfortably.
Aim, breath & relax. Focus on your target. Fire away!



Always remind yourself that the more you practice the better you get! 
You can only get experience but not failure!