How to throw a dart like a pro (even if you’re a beginner)

If you’re new to darts, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How do I throw a dart properly?” Whether you’re playing casually with friends or dreaming of stepping up to the oche in a league, learning the basics of how to throw a dart can dramatically improve your game. From mastering the right dart grip to developing consistent technique, here’s how to start throwing like a pro – even if you’ve just picked up your first set of darts.

1. The perfect dart grip

Your grip is the foundation of your throw. Hold the dart lightly between your thumb and two or three fingers – enough to control it without squeezing too hard. A relaxed dart grip allows for a smoother, more accurate release.

Pro tips for grip:

• Keep your wrist straight and avoid unnecessary tension.
  
• Make sure the dart sits comfortably in your hand without feeling awkward.
  
• Experiment with different grip points along the barrel until you find what feels natural.
  

2. Find your stance

A solid stance sets you up for accuracy. Stand with your dominant foot forward, angled slightly toward the board, and your back foot providing balance. Your weight should lean slightly toward your front foot without losing stability.

Many professionals recommend the “side-on” stance, where your shoulders align with the throw, giving you a consistent anchor point for each dart.

3. The throwing motion

Throwing a dart isn’t about strength – it’s about precision and rhythm. Follow these steps:

1. Aim: Focus your eyes on the exact point you want to hit.
   
2. Draw Back: Bring the dart backward in a smooth motion, keeping your elbow up.
   
3. Release: Push the dart forward with a straight motion, letting it roll off your fingers.
   
4. Follow Through: Allow your hand to extend naturally toward the target after release.
   

Think of your throw as a controlled swing, not a forced push.

4. Practice for consistency

Even if you know how to throw a dart, the key to improvement is repetition. Consistent practice builds muscle memory, so your body learns the motion naturally.

Start with simple drills:

• Throw 100 darts aiming for the treble 20.
  
• Work on hitting doubles in sequence.
  
• Mix high-scoring targets with checkout practice.
  

5. Avoid common beginner mistakes

Darts for beginners can be frustrating at first, but many struggles come from bad habits.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Over-gripping: Leads to jerky releases.
  
• Leaning too far: Causes imbalance.
  
• Changing stance constantly: Makes accuracy inconsistent.
  

Final thoughts

Learning how to throw a dart like a professional takes time, patience, and a willingness to fine-tune your grip, stance, and throw. Start with the basics, commit to regular practice, and you’ll soon see your scores rise – and maybe even surprise a few friends at the pub.