The dart grip

Finding the balance point

Lay the dart across your outstretched index finger and slide it until it balances horizontally. The grip sits at that point or just in front of it. Darts with a front-weighted barrel (torpedo) are gripped further forward, straight barrels in the middle.

How many fingers?

• Two fingers (thumb and index finger): minimal contact, very consistent, demands a calm throw
• Three fingers (thumb, index and middle finger): the most common grip, stable and easy to repeat
• Four fingers: lots of control, but more sources of error on release
• No matter how many: all fingers must leave the dart at the same time

Pressure and the point

The dart is held, not squeezed. Gripping too tightly delays the release and makes the dart tip downwards. In the grip, the point angles slightly upwards; if it points down, the dart sticks steeply in the board or bounces off the wire.

Grip and barrel

If your fingers slip off the barrel, you need more grip structure (grooves, rings), not more pressure. If you grip too tightly, smoother barrels often work better. Try different barrels in a shop or at your club before you commit; the grip decides the purchase, not the looks.

Grips of the pros

Phil Taylor held the dart with three fingers and the thumb well forward, Michael van Gerwen uses a deep grip with the ring finger tucked in, Luke Humphries grips classically with three fingers at the balance point. What they all share: the grip is exactly the same on every throw.

Making the grip stick

A grip is only yours once it works without thinking. Exercise: pick up every dart in exactly the same way, check your finger positions and throw 50 darts at the Bull, paying attention only to the feel, not the result. After two weeks you'll notice deviations straight away. Grip wax, a towel or chalk help with damp fingers, but they're no substitute for a clear grip.

When the grip is to blame

• Darts fly with the point up: gripped too far back or released too early
• Darts spin or wobble: uneven finger pressure, usually the little finger interfering
• Third dart drifts off: the grip changes with tension, loosen your hand
• Blisters or pain: too much pressure, loosen the grip and check the barrel

Grip changes take time: give the new grip at least two weeks before you judge it. In the first few days your Average will drop — that's normal and no reason to switch back.

Guides