Dart stance and foot position

Three types of stance

• Sideways: the front foot is parallel to the line, the body turned by 90 degrees. Very stable, throwing arm and target are in one line. The stance of most pros.
• Angled (about 45 degrees): a compromise between stability and a clear view; for most beginners the most comfortable start.
• Square: both feet facing the board, throwing arm in front of the body. Simple, but the arm has to come around the body; rare among good players.

Weight and balance

Around 70 per cent of your weight rests on the front foot, the back foot supports with the toes or the inner edge. The upper body leans slightly forward without the hips tipping. Leaning far over the line gains you a few centimetres and costs you stability; standing too upright means you have to lift your arm higher.

Position at the line

Stand so that your throwing arm is in front of the target: right-handers slightly to the right of the centre of the board, left-handers to the left. Remember the position with a marking on the mat or on the Oche; it stays the same for every throw. The front foot touches the line but does not cross it.

Mistakes that disturb your throw

• Rocking: your weight shifts during the throw and the elbow changes height
• Heel lift: the back foot comes up and the body falls forward
• Turning: the hips rotate with the throw and the dart pulls off to the side
• Standing differently every visit: set a marker and take up the same position every time

Practice

1. Ten throws with the back foot closed (only the toes on the floor) to feel the weight on the front
2. Ten throws with a coin on your head (or a book): the head stays still
3. A marker on the mat: start every visit from exactly the same spot

Stance and changing targets

For Doubles at the edge of the board, many players don't move their feet, only their upper body; that changes the angle of the throwing arm and costs you hits. Better: for a target far to the left or right, shift your position on the line by a few centimetres and leave stance and arm position unchanged. Mark the position for the 20 at the Oche and use it as the starting point for every target.

Aids

• An Oche bar or a mat with a marker so your foot always lands in the same place
• A mirror or video from the side to check elbow height and upper body
• Non-slip shoes with a flat sole; no thick running soles that tip over
• During longer sessions, shift your weight briefly now and then, then set up again

Guides