It’s a normal friday evening, some quality time, Michael and I decided to enjoy a practice, side by side, practicing darts like we’re training for the World Championship. A rock concert on tv, but the only thing we hear is the sound of the thunk of darts hitting the board, totally focused on our position.

That’s when disaster or comedy strikes again. As I step up to the oche (that little line you’re not supposed to cross), my foot decides it’s had enough. I trip, stumble and crash into Michael like a bowling ball hitting the last pin. At the exact same moment, he releases his dart. Time seems to slow down. The dart flies through the air, a perfect arc of precision and lands dead center in the bullseye.

But it wasn’t his dartboard, it was mine. There we were, me down on the floor, him frozen mid-throw and my dartboard now sporting a rogue dart that wasn’t even mine. I immediately said, “Remember that position!!” We burst out laughing so hard that the neighbors probably thought we’d lost it.

So always watch your step at the oche. Because sometimes, your friend’s accidental bullseye on your board is the highlight of the night and the ultimate reminder that darts is as much about laughter as it is about skill.

But that’s not how you position to play darts, it’s how you invent a new game called “dart roulette”. Many players, especially beginners, underestimate how much their body position affects their game. A wobbly stance or misaligned feet can throw off your aim, leading to wild darts or in my case, a hilarious collision. Even small distractions, like tripping or shifting your weight, can turn a perfect throw into a disaster (or bullseye). 

Mastering Your Stance and Positioning in Darts

So, put down the darts for a second and let’s talk about how to stand like a pro. Start by standing behind the oche. Once you’ve mentally prepared, step forward and “toe the line.” And whatever you do, relax, tension is for guitar strings, not dart players. If you’re stiff as a board, your throws will be just as awkward.

Alright, right-handed folks, grab all three darts in your left hand. Lefties, just flip this whole thing around and pretend I said “right hand” instead. Now, here’s the fun part, smoothly pass one dart from your non-throwing hand to your throwing hand. Bring it up to eye level and throw it at the bullseye. Don’t stress about actually hitting anything specific yet. Repeat the process with the second and third darts. Get used to the rhythm: pass, lift, throw, repeat. It’s like a dance, but with fewer steps and more sharp objects.

Now, let’s talk about the results. Were your darts nicely grouped or did they look like they were trying to escape the board? More importantly, while you were throwing, did you notice what part of your body decided to join the party? If not, do it again and pay attention this time. When you’re throwing darts, the only things that should move are your throwing arm, your wrist and the fingers releasing the dart. Think of yourself as a dart-throwing statue, steady, focused and completely still except for that one glorious arm. The less you move, the more you win. 

How you stand at the oche is called the stance and there are more variations out there than flavors of crisps at the pub. But over the years, one stance has risen above the rest to become the “standard.” It’s balanced, it’s stable and it doesn’t involve any awkward leaning or flailing limbs. But if you’ve got your own unique style that works for you, go for it. 

Ready to adopt the “standard stance”? Stand at the oche and imagine a magical line. This line starts at the bullseye, drops straight down to the floor like a plumb line and then runs straight toward you until it hits the oche line. Find where that imaginary line meets the oche and plant your right foot there. Your right big toe should be leading the charge, pointing directly at the dartboard like it’s giving it directions. Lefties, just flip this whole thing and pretend I said “left foot” instead. Now, glance down at your left foot. It should be slightly behind your right foot, turned out at a jaunty angle. This foot is your wingman, it’s there for balance. You’ll notice that slightly more weight falls on your right leg and foot. Shift your chest around a bit until your right arm, when raised to aim, lines up perfectly with your right toe. Your elbow should be pointing at the dartboard. And there you have it, the standard stance. 

Here’s another way to stand at the oche that’s popular among players. In this stance, your right foot is placed parallel to the oche line. Your left foot hangs out behind it at a 45-degree angle. This stance sneaks you about 6 inches (15 centimeters) closer to the target. It’s like cheating, but legal. Whether you’re a loyalist or a customizer, the goal is the same, find a stance that feels good and gets results. 

Here’s a little secret to improving your darts game. If you’re crushing it during practice, grouping your darts like a boss, scoring big points or hitting that double like it’s your job, freeze. Before you yank those darts out of the board, take a second to look down. Make a mental note of where your feet are planted. When you step up to throw your next three darts, stand in exactly the same position. Same foot placement, same angle, same everything. Because if it worked once, it’ll probably work again and again. So, next time you’re on fire, don’t just celebrate, memorize. Your feet (and your score) will thank you.

Perfect your stance, own the board

Remember that time Michael’s dart landed perfectly in the bullseye, on someone else’s board? It’s a funny reminder of how crucial positioning and stance are. Without the right foundation, even the best throw can go hilariously (or frustratingly) off-target. But here’s the good news: with a solid stance and proper alignment, you can avoid those “oops” moments and start hitting your own chosen targets consistently. It’s not just about throwing darts, it’s about standing tall, staying balanced and owning your space at the oche.

So, next time you step up to the board, take a moment to check your feet, align your body, and throw with confidence. Practice makes progress, and soon enough, you’ll be the one everyone’s watching, for all the right reasons. Ready to transform your game? Grab your darts, find your stance, and let’s make every throw count. Your bullseye awaits!

Darts fever, because why not practice more, aim higher and laugh louder!

John Thomas Wilson, Jocky : “This belly’s my secret weapon. It keeps me balanced!”