How to Grip and Throw a Dart Correctly
Throwing a dart may look simple but consistent accuracy comes from good technique. Whether you are completely new to darts or looking to improve your fundamentals, learning how to grip and throw a dart correctly will help you develop confidence, consistency, and control.
1. Find the Right Stance
A good throw starts with a stable and repeatable stance.
- Stand comfortably behind the oche (throw line).
- Place your dominant foot forward, pointing slightly toward the dartboard.
- Keep your back foot stable for balance.
- Lean forward slightly, but remain relaxed and balanced.
- Keep your shoulders and hips facing the board.
The most important thing is consistency - use the same stance for every throw to build muscle memory.
A. Font-Facing Stance
- Both shoulders and hips face the dartboard.
- Feet are positioned almost square to the oche.
- Weight is evenly distributed between both feet.
- The upper body remains upright with a slight forward lean.
Best for:
Beginners or players who prefer a natural, balanced feel.
Considerations:
Can reduce shoulder alignment with the throwing arm, which may affect accuracy for some players.
B. Side-On Stance
- Dominant foot is placed forward and points toward the dartboard.
- Back foot is angled sideways for balance.
- The throwing shoulder, arm and eye naturally align with the target
- Most body weight is on the front foot.
Best for:
Intermediate and advanced players seeking maximum and consistency.
Considerations:
May feel unstable at first until balance improves.
C. Angles Stance
- Front foot is angled slightly toward the board.
- Back foot is placed comfortably behind the balance.
- Shoulders and hips are partially turned toward the board.
- Weight is mainly forward but still balanced.
Best for:
Players looking for a balance between stability and alignment.
Considerations:
Requires discipline to avoid rotating the body during the throw.
2. How to Grip a Dart
There is no single correct grip for everyone. The best grip is one that feels natural and allows for a smooth release.
Grip Basics
- Hold the dart by the barrel, not just the tip of the flight
- Use light pressure - gripping too tightly can cause the dart to wobble or stick to your fingers.
- Most players use three fingers (thumb, index finger, and middle finger), but two or four finger grips can also work.
Smooth Follow-Through
- Pencil grip: Held like a pen or pencil using the thumb and index finger, with other fingers supporting lightly.
- Three-finger grip: Offers added control and stability for many beginners
- Grip position: Fingers can be placed toward the front, middle, or rear o the barrel depending on balance and comfort.
A good starting point for beginners is gripping the centre of the barrel, where the dart feels balanced.
3. Aiming the Dart
Once you are set and gripping correctly, focus on your aim.
- Raise the dart to eye level.
- Align the dart with your target using your dominant eye.
- Keep your elbow up and bent at roughly a 90-degree angle.
- Focus on the exact spot you want to hit rather than the whole board.
Keep your arm, elbow and wrist aligned helps the dart travel in a straight line.
4. Throw and Release
The throwing action should be smooth and controlled.
- Pull the dart back slightly toward your face.
- Push forward in a straight motion toward the board.
- Keep your body still - only your forearm and wrist should move.
Releasing the Dart
- Release the dart as your arm reaches full extension.
- A gentle wrist snap at the end of the throw helps guide the dart forward.
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Avoid releasing too early or too late, as this can cause the dart to fly high or low.
5. Follow Through
Follow through is and important part of a consistent throw.
- Let your arm continue forward naturally after releasing the dart
- Your fingers should finish pointing toward your target.
- Avoid stopping your arm abruptly.
A smooth follow-through helps keep the dart on its intended path.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Gripping the dart too tightly
Throwing with the shoulder instead of the forearm - Leaning or stepping forward during the throw
- Changing stance or grip too often
Keeping your technique simple and repeatable will help you improve faster.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to grip and throw a dart correctly is the foundation of becoming a better player. Focus on comfort, balance and consistency rather than power. With regular practice and proper technique, your accuracy and confidence will improve over time.
Remember: smooth, relaxed, and repeatable throws are far more effective than forcing power or speed.
