Steel Tip Dart Techniques

The game of darts originated in the Middle Ages in England. Soldiers would throw arrows at barrels that had been turned upward. Today, the game of darts is much different. The key to throwing steel tip darts is having a consistent and precise delivery method. The technique is simple but takes practice to master. It does not take very much strength to throw a dart 7 feet and 9.25 inches, but it does take concentration and skill to consistently throw the dart with precision.

  1. Stance

    • Keep your feet about shoulder length apart. If you will be throwing the dart right handed, your right foot should be placed in front of your left foot. If left handed, your left foot will be in front of your right foot. Stand at anywhere from a 50- to 90-degree angle with the dartboard, depending on your personal preference. Your shoulders will follow your feet and align themselves on their own.

      Most of your weight will rest on your front foot, and your back foot is mainly used for balance. Neither of your feet should come off the ground at any point during your throw.

    The Throw

    • While your hand is in motion, the dart should follow the path of a parabolic curve such as that of a thrown stone. That curve should continue while in flight to the dartboard. Depending on how hard the dart is thrown, the curve can be either higher or lower.

      Your shoulder should stay in fixed position during the entire throwing movement. Your elbow stays fixed until your arm begins moving. When your arm is in the forward motion, the elbow should slightly rise to achieve a perfect parabolic curve.

      Focus on your target while preparing to throw. Bring back the dart as far as you can comfortably. Do not accelerate too fast when throwing the dart. Move your arm smoothly and all in one motion.

      Your release point should come naturally. After you have released the dart, your follow-through should end up with your hand pointed toward the desired target. If having trouble with the release point, try to avoid a follow-through.

      Ensure that you do not have any noticeable jerks or jolts in your movement. Do not be concerned if your dart wobbles after you release it and it is in flight; practice and time will correct that.