What is the best darts stance? Finger hold?

Question

I have been playing darts for two years and am only an average player. My dart usually lands just outside my mark no matter my stance, finger-hold, weight of the dart, or flight that I use. Any advice? Serious answers only, please.

Answer 1

If your darts are just missing their mark, I don't think you need to change anything but the quantity of time you spend in front of the dartboard. I began playing darts 15 years ago becoming an average player by playing one or two nights a week during my final year in college. After leaving school I played against a friend who was a MUCH better shot than I was. Losing game after game was something I could not tolerate. I began playing every night against anyone willing. By the end of the summer my friend and I were on the same level. Some advice follows.
1. I noticed you didn't say anything about the barrel size. I found that I was better able to control a thin-barreled dart. My grip of the dart improved, too, if the barrel had some sort of rough texture. I've been using Dragons for about five years now and they are, by far, my favorite set of darts.
2. Have you tried different shaft lengths? I use a 1 3/8 inch long shaft. My darts tend to fly nice and straight with a short shaft.
3. Check your shafts for straightness. Remove them from the barrels and roll them over a flat surface. If there is a wobble to them -- replace them.
4. You've probably been taught: the less body movement there is, the more accurate your dart should be. Keep your movement limited to only your throwing arm, with the majority of the motion coming from the elbow.
5. Don't give up. I wish you good luck.

Answer 2

There's no such thing as best stance and finger hold... It's all personal... Darts rule of thumb is to play relax, I know it's hard but it's not only the throw but mental skill that you have to hone. Throw where you are most comfortable, grip and stance wise. Be patient with your throw and always relax your arm and your state of mind. Personally, I've noticed that if I just throw for fun and tipsy.. my accuracy is good at the start and if I continue playing until I am sobered up, my throw is getting much better.. I am hitting trebles like it's a size of the doubles... I am currently working to be in US National team for steel darts... Since you only played two years, you've got a lot of experimentation like dart shafts, barrel, flights and points. Just always remember throw relax and have fun. Your biggest competitor is yourself.

Answer 3

I think it is differnet formost people. for example I'm a southpaw but i throw right handed. I stand sideways on with my front facing left of the board but there are players that face front. I'll tell you how I do it but I'm not a great player, you want to minimise inconsistancy to improve your aim.

Standing sideways on, foot also sidewayas on exactly on the line. A small lean forward but not enough to threaten balance. Holding between the thumb and the first two fingers of the right hand between halfways or slightly closer to the point of the dart. Sighting with the left eye (my strong eye) and the arm mostly drawn in so it can be released be straightening the arm only forward and releasing before the arm becomes straight.

That is the way I was both taught and developed as I played. Hope it helps you but you will have to find your own way with these things.

Answer 4

Two words, Francine Polymer

Answer 5

however you feel most comfortable just not going to far with it i like a stagerd stance with three fingers!!