How To Get Better At Darts
Improving at darts isn’t just about lobbing arrows at a board until something sticks. Whether you’re a casual player, pub regular, or someone just getting into steel tip darts, there are a few tried and tested principles that can take your game from zero to hero. Here’s a guide that cuts through the fluff and helps you focus on what actually works.
1. Make the Commitment
Getting better starts with a decision. Not a half-hearted "I’ll throw now and then", but a proper decision to stick at it. You don’t need to train like a full-time pro, just turn up regularly.
Even ten minutes daily is enough to build muscle memory and improve your accuracy (of course more than that is ideal). Treat it like a routine, like brushing your teeth. The more you throw, the sharper you’ll get.
2. Get Your Setup Right
You can’t improve if you’re practicing in poor conditions. Your board should be mounted at the correct height — 5ft 8in to the bullseye — and you should be standing 2.37m / 7ft 9¼in back (steel tip). That’s the standard. If you don't, when you turn up to play at the pub, everything will feel wrong.
Good lighting is vital. Shadows on the board mess with your focus. A simple ring light or spotlight above the board does the job nicely. Keep things safe and don't throw with children or pets nearby.
3. Get Some Darts You’re Comfortable With
You don’t need expensive darts, but you do need darts that feel right in your hand. There is no 'best dart', it is personal preference. Try different weights, shapes and grip levels. A lot of people start somewhere between 21-25g with a straight barrel, but that doesn't mean you have to. When you start, you won't know what works best, so instead of buying expensive brand new darts, buy used darts and save a few quid!
The barrel grip, flight shape, and shaft length all affect how the dart behaves. Once you find something you like, stick with it for a while. Constantly changing darts just adds another variable to worry about. Unless you're Peter Wright, it's just not the way to go.
4. Get Your Stance Comfortable and Balanced
If your stance feels awkward, your throw will suffer. And if you're in a really awkward position, your back and legs will let you know soon enough.
Keep it simple. Whether you stand side on (Phil Taylor), or more front facing (Luke Humphries, Simon Whitlock) just make sure you are comfortable and stable. The more natural it feels, the better you’ll throw, long term.
5. Focus, Don't Overthink
This one’s important.
Darts is a mental game, but too much thinking can ruin your throw. Over-analysing your grip, elbow, or release every time just makes you stiff and hesitant.
However, you do want to focus. As much as possible.
Thinking = "Is my arm straight?...Is this the right grip?...Should I stand like this?..."
Focus = "That tiny dot within the segment is what I am aiming for" (we will talk about next in #6)
Trust your instincts. You’ll often find that the best throws happen when you’re not trying too hard.
Your brain will take over subconsciously and your accuracy will build naturally.
6. Pick a Specific Spot
Don’t just aim for “the treble 20”. Pick a tiny mark or fibre inside it and aim for that. Narrowing your focus to a smaller target, sharpens your accuracy.
Even if you miss the exact point, you’ll be much closer than if you were just throwing at the general area. It’s a classic technique used by top players.
As you do this regularly, it will become second nature.
7. Stay Relaxed
Tension is your enemy. Gripping the dart like it’s a stress ball, holding your breath, or clenching your jaw only makes your throw worse.
Loosen your grip, shake your arm out now and again, and breathe properly. A smooth, relaxed throw is nearly always more consistent than a tense one.
It is easier said than done, but notice if you get over excited or stressed (especially on that 3rd dart for a 180!). Once you notice it, you can relax and reset yourself.
8. Practice Regularly
You don’t need to spend hours every day at the board. But regular, intentional practice is what makes the difference.
Short, focused sessions often work better than dragging it out. Keep it enjoyable. You’re more likely to come back to it tomorrow, if you end today’s session on a high note.
9. Don’t Just Aim for Treble 20
Yes, treble 20 is great for scoring and everyone loves a 180, but as Bobby George said..."doubles for dough".
Spend time on your common double sequences like 16, 8, tops and 20. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not stuck trying to finish on a double you’ve never practised.
Also, practice your 19s, 18s, and 17s for those setup/combos.
10. Anticipate Frustration
Bad patches are part of the game. You’ll have days where you can’t hit anything, and that’s fine. Don’t let it get in your head.
Take a breather, laugh it off, and remember, you expected those days to come. You’re not really getting worse, you’re just having a wobble. Stick with it and it’ll pass.
11. Set Mini Targets
Goals help you stay focused, but they’ve got to be realistic. Small, achievable challenges build confidence and give your practice purpose.
If you’re just starting, maybe set a target to hit three single 20s on a visit. If you’re more advanced, go for two doubles in a visit. Whatever your level, set goals that stretch you without breaking your spirit and keep yourself engaged.
12. Enjoy It
Don’t forget why you started playing in the first place. Track your progress, play games with mates, and celebrate small wins.
There’s real satisfaction in seeing yourself improve. Keep it fun, and you’ll want to keep coming back.
Final Thoughts
Getting better at darts isn’t about chasing perfection every visit. It’s about putting in the time, making incremental progress and enjoying the process. Stay consistent, stay relaxed and will absolutely improve.
