In darts or any sport for that matter, one of the most critical parts about playing is scoring points. So, even if you’re the type of dart player like me who is not the competitive type, we would still find ourselves giving our best every time and remembering every technique we learned just to score a point.
With that said, at what angle should your dart hit the board? Your dart should hit the board at an approximately 20-degree upward angle. However, for this to happen, it should be thrown through a smooth arc. Still, since players often differ in style, sometimes it becomes necessary to adjust the shaft length and flight shape to achieve this angle.
The Ideal Angle A Dart Should Hit The Board
The system responsible for your dart’s behavior when thrown is called the flight or shat system. To determine whether the system suits you and your style, look for the “main parameter” or the angle at which the dart lands on the board.
However, if it doesn’t hit at the ideal angle of approximately 20 degrees upward, then you should have your darts tuned.
By doing so, your darts will be adjusted to match your throwing style, which makes it easier for you to achieve the ideal aerodynamic behavior or the “smooth arc” needed to have it hit the board at around 20 degrees upward.
Of course, you cannot simply copy a player’s dart setup and expect that it works well with you as it does with them. After all, each player has different play styles, and what works for one may not necessarily work for others.
In addition, the factors that affect the angle at which a dart lands are as follows:
- shaft length
- flight size
- shaft weight
- flight weight
Dart Tuning
In general, how a player tunes their darts should complement their technique and style. Still, when we talk about dart tuning, the setup of a dart, including its shaft length and flight shape, is altered in a way that best works for the player’s style.
For instance, some players prefer darts with more expansive wing space, while others would opt for the standard wing size. Overall, there are 11 different flight sizes. Moreover, the wider the wing surface, the higher the air resistance. This causes the dart to slow down and have a better angle.
This rule also applies to shorter shafts, and there are four lengths available: medium, short, extra short, and mini. By sizing down on the shaft, the dart should hit at a more exaggerated angle.
In addition, the shaft and flight weight are also factors that may influence the angle at which a dart lands. The heavier they are, the more limited the angle will be.
So if you’re planning to have your darts tuned, you should decide whether you want them light and constructed with nylon or a little heavier with aluminum or titan shaft.
You should also consider how this will influence your gameplay. This also applies to the shaft ring, which adds weight to the darts. However, remember that dart tuning cannot be done overnight and should take at least a couple of days if you want other parts altered.
For novices who have yet discovered what’s best for them, it is recommended to start with a standard setup with medium-length nylon shafts and a standard-size wing. From there, you can do experiment throws and adjust afterward.
Proper Stance For A Better Throw
We all know that the stance will either make or break a player’s gameplay, and just like any other sport, there is an ideal stance to throw darts better. To start, it is essential to control your breathing and take a few seconds to breathe or sigh before every throw.
This keeps you focused and calms down your nerves. However, for more relaxed setups like get-togethers or reunions, just make sure not to be too relaxed and stay steady to avoid any accidents, especially if you’re handling a steel-pointed dart.
Next, line up to the spot you want to hit and stand in the way that feels the most comfortable; otherwise, your throw will hit elsewhere. The best stance would be your body between a 45 to 90-degree angle, torso aligned, and both shoulders level.
You should also position your feet most comfortably; they could stay flat or slightly elevated. You may also pivot your foot if it gives you a better aim.
How to Throw Darts Correctly
Now, if you’ve tried copying the form of professional dart players and still cannot correctly hit your target, then don’t worry too much because it may be simply because you’re suited to a different style. To figure out your technique, let’s review the basics of throwing a dart properly.
There are three main points to remember when playing darts: grip, stance, and throw. The grip is how you hold the dart, and there are different ways to hold a dart depending on the player’s preference. The important part is to make sure that the balance is not affected and not too much pressure is placed on the dart. In addition, a player can hold it with three or four fingers.
The stance is how your body is positioned during the throw, and this was discussed prior. Your stance stabilizes your throw. There are three different stances; we have the middle stance, closed stance, and open stance.
Lastly, we have the throw. Now, if you have found the best grip and stance for you, then it is time to see if it works. Before throwing, be sure to stand straight, relax and keep your elbow in a position that makes it easy to throw and will not strain your wrist. Moreover, you will be making three movements during your throw.
First, draw back the dart by making a fan-shaped folding movement with your elbow. This is followed by releasing the dart in a way you would throw a paper plane.
However, remember to use your wrist in doing so instead of your elbow and release all fingers simultaneously; otherwise, your dart’s flight will be affected.
Lastly is to follow through by extending your arm straight after throwing the dart. Practice throwing constantly, and you should notice an improvement in your throws over time. Also, you might just discover a technique that works for you without noticing it.
Setting Up The Dart Board
If you want to set up your own practice area for darts, the first thing you need to do is find a suitable location. Make sure there are little to no people and the place is at least 4 x 4 feet. Next, consider buying a “dart mat” for the floor.
This rubber mat will prevent any scratches or holes on the wooden floor and save your darts from dulling or breaking on concrete because of the impact. In addition, it marks the proper distance from the throw line.
The board should be hung at precisely 5 foot 8 inches from the bullseye to the ground. The oche or throw line should be approximately 3 feet wide and 7 feet and 9 and ¼ inches away from the board’s face for steel-tipped darts.
In contrast, it should be only 8 feet away for soft-tipped darts. This can be marked with tape, a sticker, or a piece of wood.
