Michael’s first match after his “Peter Pan” era was a masterclass in chaos and confusion. Just vision it sitting in the crowd, final set, sudden death, basically darts’ version of a cage fight. Michael had six dart opportunities to finish. 

Needing 84 points, Michael went for the classic triple 16, but hit single 16, then single 18. With the confidence of a man who just parallel parked on the first try, he launched his last dart into what he thought was the required bullseye. Nope. Double 20. Cue the premature celebration, arms in the air, chest puffed out, victory dance included. Then the referee, the ultimate buzzkill, ruined the moment: “Uh, Michael? That’s 74. You’ve still got 10 left.”

Michael’s face dropped faster than a dart with a broken flight. His opponent, meanwhile, casually throwing a steady 100, leaving him stranded on 96. Michael stepped up again, aimed for double 5. First dart? Too high. Second dart? Too low. Now it was like watching someone try to parallel park with a blindfold on.

His opponent, at 96, almost nailed a triple 20 with his first dart but landed on a single 20 instead. No worries, he is trying to us his previous dart as a guide and nailed the triple 20 on his next throw. Then, with the precision of a laser-guided missile, he hit double 8 and won the match. Meanwhile, Michael was still trying to figure out how 16 + 18 + 40 somehow didn’t equal 84.

Defeated, Michael shuffled over and plopped down next to me. I tried to cheer him up: “Hey, you played really well! Steady throws, great consistency, this is just another good lesson.” He nodded, but I could tell he was mentally replaying every dart like a bad rom-com. (as I told him, what you don’t want to hear)

As we watched the other matches, we noticed some interesting techniques. One guy had an elbow shake that looked like he was trying to summon a demon. Another player’s body movements were so erratic, it was like he was dancing the Macarena mid-throw. I turned to Michael and said, “Forget your loss. Let’s focus on giving these guys some much-needed advice. Because if darts were an Olympic sport, these guys would be competing in the ‘How Not to Throw’ category.”

What happened to Michael and the other tournament players isn’t just a one-off tragedy. The way people throw darts at a dartboard is often less about skill and more about overthinking, panic and questionable life choices. They focus so much on hitting the perfect triple or bullseye that they forget the basics: aim, throw and pray. Some develop bizarre rituals, elbow shakes, awkward stances or full-body convulsions. (Just think about Richie Burnett) So, next time you see someone summoning demons with their elbow, cut them some slack, they’re probably just trying to subtract 34 from 84.

A high-value insight into perfecting your throw

Darts is a game of precision, focus and consistency. Improving your dart game isn’t just about theory, it’s about actionable steps you can take today. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring pro, understanding the fundamentals of how to throw a dart can transform your game. Let’s break down the key elements that separate a chaotic throw from a championship-winning one.

Your grip is the foundation of your throw. Many beginners make the mistake of holding the dart too tightly, as if they’re trying to crush it. This creates tension in your hand and arm, leading to inconsistent throws. Instead, adopt a relaxed grip. Hold the dart lightly, using your thumb and two fingers. Practice gripping and releasing until it feels natural. Your fingers should cradle the dart, with your thumb providing stability and your index and middle fingers guiding the release. Experiment with different grips to find what feels natural, but remember, less pressure equals more control and remember your stance. 

The throw itself should be a fluid, controlled motion. Many players make the error of throwing too hard, as if power alone will magically guide the dart to its target. In reality, darts is a game of finesse, not force. Your arm should move like a pendulum, with your elbow acting as the pivot point. Keep your wrist firm but not rigid and follow through with your arm after releasing the dart. Use your elbow as a pivot point and follow through with your arm after releasing the dart. This ensures that your dart travels in a straight line. 

Aiming better is when mental focus meets physical execution. Many players overthink their aim, obsessing over the angle of their arm or the position of their fingers. Instead, focus on the target itself, whether it’s the triple 20, the bullseye or a specific number. Your brain is remarkably good at coordinating your body’s movements when you give it a clear goal. Trust your muscle memory and let your instincts take over.

Finally, there’s no substitute for practice. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to stay calm under pressure. The best players in the world didn’t get there by accident, they honed their skills through countless hours of repetition. Set aside time to practice regularly, focusing on consistency rather than flashy shots. Use drills to improve specific aspects of your game, such as hitting doubles or grouping darts tightly. Record your throws or ask for feedback. Identify weaknesses and tweak your technique accordingly.

Master the Basics, Then Build

Throwing darts effectively is about mastering the basics and building from there. A relaxed grip, stable stance, smooth throw, clear aim and strong mental focus are the building blocks of a great dart player. By focusing on these fundamentals and practicing consistently, you’ll not only improve your game but also enjoy the process. After all, darts is as much about the journey as it is the destination. So, step up to the oche, take a deep breath and let your darts fly with confidence.

By implementing these steps, you’ll see steady improvement in your accuracy, consistency and confidence. Remember, darts is a game of patience and precision, so take it one throw at a time!

And aim for your bullseye!

Michael’s dart-throwing saga, complete with premature celebrations, math mishaps, and questionable follow-throughs, is a reminder that even the most confident players can stumble. But here’s the thing: every missed dart is a lesson and every game is a chance to improve. Whether you’re summoning demons with your elbow or celebrating a double 20 that wasn’t, there’s always room to grow. So, what’s your next move? Take the lessons from this blog and put them into action. Adjust your grip, perfect your stance and practice that smooth pendulum motion. Most importantly, don’t let the pressure get to you. Even the pros have their off days.

Now, grab your darts, step up to the oche, and give it your best shot. And hey, if you mess up, just laugh it off, after all, even Michael’s “Peter Pan” moment turned into a great story. Ready to throw like a champ? Let’s see what you’ve got!

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

There’s nothing wrong with Richie Burnett’s throw itself. The Prince of Wales has a release as smooth as anyone. It’s what happens to the rest of his body when he lets the dart goes that is of interest to us.