How to grip a dart

There is no single correct way to hold a dart. Professionals use everything from a light two-finger pinch to a five-finger grip. What matters is that your grip is comfortable, repeatable and lets the dart leave your hand cleanly.

Start by finding the balance point

Lay the dart across your finger and move it until it balances. That's the centre of gravity. Most players place their thumb just behind it, which helps the dart fly point first.

How many fingers?

• Three fingers (thumb, index and middle) is the most common grip and a good place to start.
• Two fingers gives a very clean release but less control for some players.
• Four or five fingers gives more control but more chance of a finger catching the dart on release.

How tight?

Firm enough to control the dart, loose enough that it leaves your fingers without being pushed off course. If your fingertips go white, you're holding too tightly. Tension in the grip usually shows up in your forearm too.

Keep the point up

As you bring the dart back, the point should stay slightly up. If it points down, the dart will tend to dip and land low.

Barrels and grip

Straight barrels suit players who move their grip around. Torpedo and front-weighted barrels suit a grip further forward. Heavier grip patterns (knurling or rings) help if your fingers slip. Our guide to choosing darts covers weight and shape.