Technique · 2 min read
Darts throwing technique
How to throw a dart: aiming, the backswing, release point and follow-through, plus fixes for the most common faults.
A good throw is simple: the upper arm stays still, the forearm swings from the elbow, and the hand follows through towards the target. Everything else is detail.
Aim
Line up your eye, the dart and the target. Most players sight along the barrel. Choose a small spot inside the segment, not the whole treble, because aiming small helps you miss small.
Backswing
Bring the dart back towards your face smoothly, keeping your elbow still. How far back is personal, but it should be the same distance every time. A jerky backswing usually means you're rushing.
Release
Let the dart go as your arm accelerates forward, with the elbow rising slightly at the end. Don't try to throw hard. Darts need very little force, and pushing usually sends them low.
Follow-through
Your hand should finish pointing at the target, as if you were reaching for the dart. Stopping your arm early is one of the most common faults, and it shows up as darts that drop low.
Common faults and fixes
- Darts going left or right: your elbow is moving sideways or your stance is not lined up with the target. Check your stance.
- Darts dropping low: stopping the follow-through, or throwing with the point down. Exaggerate the follow-through for a session.
- Darts high: releasing late. Try letting go a fraction earlier.
- Darts spreading everywhere: moving your body or changing your rhythm. Slow down and keep your head still.
Groups before targets
Before you worry about hitting the treble, aim to group three darts close together. A tight group anywhere on the board means your throw is repeatable. Then adjust your stance or aim to move the group onto the target.