Guide
Dart throwing technique for beginners
The repeatable throw: how to build a technique that holds up under pressure
There are many ways to throw a dart, but only one goal: the same throw a hundred times in a row. This guide breaks the throw down into grip, stance, aiming and movement, and shows you how to train each stage.
The throw in four steps
Grip
Hold the dart at its centre of gravity with your thumb and two fingers, relaxed like a pen. The point tilts slightly upwards, not downwards.
Stance
Sideways or slightly angled to the Oche, front foot parallel to the line, about 70 per cent of your weight on the front foot, upper body calm and upright.
Aiming
Dart in front of your eye at target height, looking over the point to the segment. Your elbow points at the board.
Throw
Pull the dart back towards your eye, then accelerate it forwards in a straight line; the wrist snaps slightly at the end and the arm extends towards the target (follow-through).
The most common mistakes
- Gripping too tightly: the dart gets "pushed" instead of thrown; the fingers don't release at the same time
- The elbow drops as you pull back: the dart goes low; the elbow should stay put as the pivot point
- The body bobs along: every throw starts from a different height; upper body and head should stay still
- No follow-through: the arm stops at the release; after the throw the arm should point at the target
- Too much force: darts need momentum from the forearm, not from the shoulder
Drills for your technique
- Dry throws: ten throws without a dart, paying attention to elbow and follow-through
- Target loop: three darts at the 20, note the position, three darts at the Bull, then back; the movement stays the same, only the aiming point moves
- Rhythm: throw all three darts to the same beat, without re-aiming between throws
- Video: film yourself from the side and compare elbow height and head movement
How long does it take?
A stable technique develops over weeks, not days. Consistency matters more than how long a session lasts: three short sessions a week with a deliberate focus on one aspect (elbow only, follow-through only) achieve more than hours of throwing without a plan. At a club, an experienced player will correct you after just a few throws.
The throwing arm in detail
The upper arm stays still, only the forearm and wrist move. As you pull back, the dart travels towards your eye without the elbow dropping; as you accelerate, the forearm extends, the wrist snaps forward slightly and the dart leaves your fingers at the highest point of the movement. After that the hand points at the target: this continued motion, the follow-through, is what keeps the flight path straight. Release too early and you throw high; let the elbow drop and you throw low.
Rhythm
Three darts in the same rhythm are more consistent than three perfect single throws with pauses in between. Many players count along in their head or breathe in as they draw back and out as they throw. That metronome feeling only comes after weeks; until then it helps to throw deliberately slowly and avoid any rush.
Frequently asked questions
How do you hold a dart correctly?
At the centre of gravity with your thumb and two fingers, loosely like a pen, point slightly up. Don't squeeze.
How do you stand when playing darts?
Sideways or slightly angled to the line, weight on your front foot, upper body still. No rocking.
What is the follow-through?
Extending your arm towards the target after the release. It keeps the dart flying in a straight line.
How long does it take until your throw is consistent?
Weeks of regular practice. Three short sessions a week with one focus do more than long sessions without a plan.
Test your technique in a game
Online darts against real opponents or training at a club.
Darts clubs near you
The most viewed clubs – with your location the page shows clubs near you.
- TSV Westerhausen-Föckinghausen e.V. – Melle · Training: Do
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- DJK Ewaldi Aplerbeck 1930 e.V. – Dortmund · Training: Di, Mi, Fr
- DC Bermatingen-Ahausen – Bermatingen · Training: Di
- Wooden Dart Club – Bochum · Training: Mo
- TVS Die Überspitzen – Fuldatal · Training: Mi
- DC Ruhrpott Freunde – Essen · Training: Mi
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