How to Hold Darts Effectively

A dart is a very fine object. Small and light, it can be held in a variety of ways. There are a whole host of ways to grip a dart, but there are still some essential basics you can follow to ensure you're doing everything right.

With everything to consider when throwing a dart--from how you hold it to how you throw it--it's important to remember there isn't a right or wrong way to do anything. Everything is unique to you! There are some things to keep in mind, though, that might improve your accuracy.

Keep The Tip Up

The tip of the dart (or, the point) is the part of the dart that penetrates the board so, naturally, it needs to be at the right angle to ensure an effective throw. It should be pointing up, or at least level (as the picture shows). A dart that is pointing downwards becomes incredibly hard to throw accurately, as it can leave your hand in an uncomfortable manner. It's such a simple tip that many beginners tend to overlook it. Keep an eye on your dart as it leaves your hand, and if the tip is pointing up, that's this basic checked off!

Don't Hold Too Tight

Some people think holding the dart as tight as possible will lead to a more steady throwing action. In fact, you couldn't be more wrong. Darts is all about feeling comfortable and feeling relaxed. How are you going to feel comfortable when you're holding your dart so tight you can't throw it smoothly? To throw darts well requires a good touch, and that all comes from having a nice relaxed grip. Some of the best players barely grip the dart. Practice!

Know Your Darts

Darts come in all different weights and sizes, so it's important to become accustomed to what you're trying to throw. Find your dart's center of gravity by resting it in the palm of your hand. That can help you to understand how much force needs to be put into your particular throw. Or, try throwing with different weights of darts to really understand the difference.

Finger Placement

Some people use two, some people use three, and some people even use four fingers while gripping a dart! While it is important to have control of the dart when you're throwing it, it's just as important to keep an eye on the fingers that aren't touching the dart. These are referred to as your "free fingers", and should be kept away from the dart to avoid stray touches.

Darts are incredibly light objects, and even the slightest graze against a free finger can transform a good throw into a horrendous one! Keep them open too; some people think that closing their free fingers can result in a better grip, when actually, all it does is causes unwelcome tension in the throwing arm, leading to a darting disaster!

It is important to stress that your grip should be individual to you, that's a must in darts. Just remember to stay relaxed and aim high!