New to the world of darts? Or wanting to improve your throw to match top players? Then you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at how to throw a dart, one of the most crucial things you need to know when it comes to playing the game properly.
Here at Double Top Darts, not only do we stock darts from your favourite dart brands, but we’re also here to offer our expertise on rules and tips for your favourite sport. So, pick up your favourite set of darts and get ready to throw!
Focusing on the throw
Let’s get straight into it and talk about the throw. When it comes to throwing your dart, there are two main things to focus on: your stance and your release. Before you start, make sure that you’re feeling relaxed and get rid of any nerves. Stand up straight and try not to lean forward too much - you want to have about a 60/40 weight pressure on your front leg to encourage a slight lean forward, as this will give you a strong base to start your throw from.
There are typically two stances to master: A front facing stance and a side on stance. The main difference is the position of the leading foot on the oche, with it either facing straight towards the board or being at a side on 90 degree angle to the oche.
>> Read all our advice when it comes to mastering the darts stance right here <<
Make sure your face is facing the dartboard and use both of your eyes to firmly aim. Your elbow should be at a fixed position that’s comfortable when you slowly lower the hand that’s holding the dart. You’ll also want a solid follow through. Don’t use a sharp, stabby motion in your release, as this can lead to inaccurate throwing!
The actual act of throwing a dart is made up of three simple movements:
- The take back - This is the movement where you draw back the dart. Make sure your arm is at a 90-degree angle, and standing up nice and straight helps to draw your dart back in a straight line.
- The release - As the name suggests, this is when you release the dart. Throw like you’re releasing a paper plane and try to release all your fingers at once. This is arguably the most important aspect of the throw, as it guides your dart towards the board - so it’s important it’s well rehearsed!
- The follow-through - This is when you extend your arm straight after releasing the dart. Some players might keep their arm extended slightly after throwing for a full follow-through.
Take a look at Beau Greaves throwing technique below ⬇️
🎯 Beau’s arm is parallel in the set-up of her throw
🎯 Beau’s draw back
🎯 The start of the release
🎯 The end of Beau’s throwing action
Things that can influence your throw
You might think that you’ve mastered your throw, but there are actually some other factors that can turn your bullseye into a frustrating miss. Even if you’re playing indoors, your surrounding area can play more of a role in how your dart travels. Here’s what else can affect your throw:
- The flight shape - Standard dart flights can create more drag, making the dart fly slower but feel more stable.
- The stem length - Longer dart stems also add stability, while shorter stems make your dart feel more responsive and flexible.
- Your body - Make sure you’re feeling completely balanced. Even a slight head bob can change the release point of your dart.
- Friction and grip - If your fingers are too dry or sweaty, the dart can slip or even stick to your skin during the release.
- Overthinking - It’s normal to feel nervous as you step up to throw, especially if you’re taking a shot that can win you the game. However, overthinking your throw can actually make it a bad one! Make sure you’re feeling relaxed and calm.
Prep before you throw
We’ve focused a lot on the throw and the environment you’re playing in. But the sport is a lot more complicated than just picking up your favourite dart and throwing it! If you truly want to pin a 180 or the bullseye, then you’ll want to make sure you’re feeling fully prepared before you start your action.
> One of the most important things is your grip. We’ve got plenty of advice when it comes to gripping a dart like a pro, including grips from all of your favourite players. However, the main thing to be aware of is where you place your fingers, as this can determine how the dart stabilises in flight.
> You also need to focus on your aim. There’s no point throwing your dart if you don’t know where you want it to land! After all, darts is a game of alignment. Identify your dominant eye and angle your dart so that the point of the tip is slightly upward. Once you’ve practised, it’ll feel like second nature.
> The way you stand will also require a bit of work. If you’re wobbly or off balance, then you won’t be able to put the same amount of power into your throw. Make sure your weight is distributed evenly, and you can even lean slightly forward over the oche to put your dominant eye closer to the target a solid stance is the foundation of your throw. A dart mat can help you perfect your stance, we recommend one with a built in oche and markings so you can align yourself in the same position each time.
Here, Winmau Darts explains the basics of the throw, including tips from pro players:
How not to throw a dart
We’ve talked about all the things you should do when it comes to throwing a dart, but what are some things that you shouldn’t do? Well, there are some rookie mistakes that can actually ruin your accuracy. Let’s take a look…
❌ Don’t lunge forward - Moving your body forward when you release the dart doesn’t add extra power. Instead, it changes the distance to the board and the height of your release mid-throw.
❌ Don’t squeeze the barrel of your dart so much that your knuckles turn white - Excess tension in your hand can prevent a clean release, and if your fingers stick to your dart, it might fly wildly to the side.
❌ Don’t let your elbow stick out - If your elbow isn’t aligned with your target, then the dart might not land where you’re intending it to.
❌ Don’t hurl your dart - Using too much force can cause your dart to veer off target. Darts only weigh about 20-25g, so it really doesn’t take that much energy to get a good throw.
Be sure to check out these dart throwing tips to improve your game!
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Upgrade your technique with Double Top Darts
Hopefully, you’re now feeling better prepared and have learned how to throw a dart. While it might seem easy in theory, it’s all about mastering the right stance, grip, and weight distribution before you step up to the oche.
Here at Double Top Darts, we stock over 10,000 products from reputable manufacturers. Find everything you need, from darts to dart accessories, today! Make sure you have a read of our blog for more darts news and tips.
Or, get in touch with our expert team. We’re more than happy to chat about all things darts, whether that’s to recommend new products or teach you flawless techniques. 🎯
