How to Throw Darts — Grip, Stance & Technique
Master the fundamentals of throwing darts — from how to hold the dart and where to stand, to aiming, releasing and following through. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your technique, this guide breaks down every part of the throw.
The Throw — Overview
Throwing a dart is a simple motion — but doing it consistently is what separates beginners from experienced players. The good news is that darts doesn't require strength, speed or athleticism. It's a game of repetition and muscle memory. Once you build good habits, your body takes over and your accuracy improves naturally.
Every dart throw can be broken down into five stages:
| Stage | What Happens | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Grip | How you hold the dart | Firm but relaxed — no white knuckles |
| 2. Stance | How you position your body | Still and balanced — only your arm moves |
| 3. Aim | How you line up the dart with the target | Dart at eye level, tip aligned with target |
| 4. Release | How you let go of the dart | Smooth acceleration, clean finger release |
| 5. Follow-through | What your arm does after the dart leaves | Fingers point at the target, arm fully extended |
How to Grip a Dart
The grip is the foundation of your throw. It's how you connect with the dart, and it directly affects your control, release and accuracy. There is no single "correct" grip — professionals use everything from 2 fingers to 5. But there are principles that apply to everyone.
The Basics
- Thumb underneath — your thumb sits on the underside of the barrel, acting as the support and guide. It's the most important finger in your grip
- Index finger on top — your index finger rests on top of or slightly to the side of the barrel, providing direction and control
- Middle finger for stability — your middle finger sits alongside or behind the index finger, adding extra control and balance
- Ring finger (optional) — a 4th finger adds more stability but can make the release slightly less clean. Use it if it feels natural, skip it if it doesn't
- Pinky should NOT touch the barrel — if your pinky is gripping the dart, you're using too many fingers. Let it float free or tuck it away
Grip Types
| Grip | Fingers Used | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-finger | Thumb, index, middle | Cleanest release, most popular among pros | Slightly less control |
| 4-finger | Thumb, index, middle, ring | More control and stability | Release can be less clean |
| Pencil grip | Like holding a pen | Natural feel for most people | Limited barrel contact |
| Front grip | Fingers near the point end | More dart in front of hand, stable flight | Less barrel to grip |
| Rear grip | Fingers near the shaft end | More leverage, can throw further | Less stable, harder to control |
Gripping too tight. Your grip should be firm enough to control the dart, but relaxed enough that someone could pull it from your fingers with a gentle tug. A death grip creates tension in your hand and forearm, which kills your accuracy. If your fingers are turning white or your hand is cramping, you're gripping far too hard.
How to Stand (Stance & Feet)
Your stance is the platform for your throw. If your body is moving, swaying or off-balance, your arm can't deliver the dart consistently. A good stance is still, balanced and comfortable.
Foot Position
Dominant foot forward
If you throw right-handed, your right foot goes forward. Left-handed, your left foot goes forward. Your front foot should be touching or very close to the oche (throwing line).
Turn your body 45–90 degrees
Don't face the board square-on. Turn your body so your throwing arm is closest to the board. Most players turn about 45-60 degrees. Some turn almost fully sideways (90 degrees) like a snooker player at the table.
Weight on your front foot
About 60-80% of your weight should be on your front foot. Your back foot is for balance — some players barely touch the ground with it. Lean slightly forward into the throw but don't overreach.
Stay still
Your body should be completely still during the throw. Only your throwing arm moves — from the elbow down. No swaying, no rocking, no stepping. If you're moving your body, you're adding variables that hurt your consistency.
The Three Common Stances
| Stance | Body Angle | Best For | Used By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-on | ~45 degrees | Beginners — most natural, easy to balance | Most recreational players |
| Side-on | ~90 degrees | Precision — gets your eye directly in line | Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis |
| Angled | ~60 degrees | Balance of stability and line-of-sight | Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries |
Stand at the oche and close your eyes. Shift your weight until you feel completely balanced and comfortable. Open your eyes — this is probably your natural stance. Don't force a stance because a pro uses it. Comfort and balance come first.
How to Aim
Aiming in darts isn't like aiming a rifle — there's no scope or crosshair. It's more instinctive than mechanical. But there are techniques that help you line up your throw consistently.
The Sighting Method
Bring the dart up to eye level
Hold the dart in front of your face at eye level. The dart should be between your eyes and the target. This is your starting position before every throw.
Use the dart tip as a sight
Align the tip of the dart with the target you want to hit. If you're aiming at treble 20, the dart tip should visually overlap with that segment. Think of it like pointing at the target with the dart.
Find your dominant eye
Most people have a dominant eye — the one their brain prefers for aiming. To find yours: make a small triangle with your hands, hold it at arm's length and look at a small object through the triangle. Close one eye at a time — the eye that keeps the object in the triangle is your dominant eye.
Focus on a specific point
Don't aim at "the 20 area" — aim at a specific wire or specific spot within the treble 20. The smaller and more precise your target, the more accurate your throw will be. Professionals don't aim at segments — they aim at tiny points within segments.
Your elbow should point directly at the board and stay as still as possible during the throw. Your elbow is the hinge — everything below it moves, everything above it stays fixed. If your elbow is drifting left or right, your darts will follow.
The Throwing Motion
The throw itself is surprisingly simple — it's essentially the same motion as throwing a paper aeroplane. Smooth, controlled and effortless. No force required.
The Motion — Step by Step
Set position
Dart at eye level, tip aligned with target, elbow pointing at the board. Your upper arm should be roughly parallel to the floor or slightly raised. This is your starting position.
Pull back
Pull the dart back towards your face by bending your forearm at the elbow. The dart tip should come back to around your cheek, chin or ear — wherever feels natural. Your upper arm and elbow should stay completely still during this pullback.
Accelerate forward
Push the dart forward by extending your forearm. The motion comes from your elbow and wrist — not your shoulder. Think of your upper arm as a fixed crane and your forearm as the moving part. Accelerate smoothly — don't jerk or snap.
Snap your wrist
As your arm extends, add a subtle wrist flick at the end. This gives the dart extra speed and spin without requiring arm force. The wrist snap is what separates an average throw from a good one.
Release and follow through
Let the dart leave your fingers naturally as your arm extends. Don't try to "place" the dart or guide it — just let it go. Your fingers should open and release the dart, not flick it or push it.
What Should Move — And What Shouldn't
| Body Part | Should It Move? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fingers | ✅ Yes — open to release | Let the dart go cleanly |
| Wrist | ✅ Yes — subtle flick | Adds speed and spin |
| Forearm | ✅ Yes — extends forward | Main power source of the throw |
| Elbow | ⚠️ Minimal — slight rise OK | Acts as the hinge, should stay mostly fixed |
| Upper arm | ❌ No | Should stay still and stable |
| Shoulder | ❌ No | Shoulder movement adds unwanted variables |
| Body/torso | ❌ No | Swaying or leaning changes your release point |
| Feet | ❌ No | Stepping or shifting weight kills consistency |
The Release
The release is the moment the dart leaves your fingers — and it's the most critical split-second of the entire throw. A clean release sends the dart on its intended path. A messy release sends it anywhere.
How to Release Cleanly
- Open your fingers — don't flick — the dart should slide out of your fingers as your hand opens naturally. You're not pushing, flicking or snapping the dart out. Just let go
- All fingers release at the same time — if one finger holds on slightly longer than the others, the dart will spin off to the side. Practice releasing so all fingers let go simultaneously
- Release at the right moment — release too early and the dart flies high. Release too late and it drops low. The ideal release point is when your arm is almost fully extended and pointing at the target
- Consistent release point — your release point should be the same every single throw. This is what makes your darts land in the same area consistently
Stand at the oche and throw darts with your eyes closed (yes, really). Don't aim — just focus on how the dart feels leaving your fingers. Is it smooth? Does one finger stick? Does the dart wobble? This drill forces you to feel the release without worrying about where the dart lands.
The Follow-Through
The follow-through is what your arm does after the dart has left your hand. It might seem unimportant — the dart is already gone — but a good follow-through ensures your throw was clean and your arm moved in the right direction.
What a Good Follow-Through Looks Like
- Arm fully extended — after release, your arm should continue forward until it's fully straight, pointing at the target
- Fingers pointing at the target — your fingers should end up pointing directly at where you wanted the dart to go. If your fingers are pointing left or right, your throw pulled in that direction
- Hold the position — keep your arm extended for a beat after the dart lands. This trains your muscle memory and ensures you're not pulling your arm away too quickly
- Relaxed hand — your hand should be open and relaxed after release, not clenched or tense
Common Mistakes
Every beginner makes these mistakes. Recognising them early saves you from building bad habits that are hard to fix later.
Gripping too tight
A death grip creates tension in your hand, forearm and shoulder — all of which kill accuracy. Your grip should be firm but relaxed. If your knuckles are white, loosen up.
Throwing with your shoulder
The power comes from your forearm and wrist, not your shoulder. If your shoulder is doing the work, you're using too much force and your throw will be inconsistent. Keep your upper arm still.
Moving your body during the throw
Swaying, leaning or stepping during the throw adds variables that change where the dart goes. Your body should be completely still — only your forearm, wrist and fingers move.
No follow-through
Pulling your arm back immediately after release means you were decelerating before the dart left your hand. Always follow through — extend your arm fully and point at the target.
Throwing too hard
Darts is not about power. Throwing harder doesn't make the dart more accurate — it does the opposite. A smooth, controlled throw with moderate force is far more accurate than a bullet throw.
Changing your technique between throws
If your first dart misses left, don't adjust your grip or stance for the second dart. Stick with your technique and trust it. Constantly adjusting creates inconsistency. Make adjustments between turns, not between darts.
Aiming at the board instead of a specific point
Don't aim at "the 20." Aim at a specific spot within the treble 20 segment — a wire, a mark, a tiny point. The more precise your target, the more focused your throw.
Practice Routines
Talent gets you started, but practice makes you good. Here are proven practice routines used by players at every level — from beginners to professionals.
Beginner Routines
🎯 20s Practice (10 minutes)
Throw at the 20 segment only — not treble 20, just anywhere in the 20. Focus on grouping your three darts as close together as possible. Don't worry about score, worry about consistency. Can you land all three in the same area? This builds your muscle memory for the most important area of the board.
🔄 Around the Clock (10 minutes)
Play a game of Around the Clock — hit every number from 1 to 20 in order, then the bullseye. This forces you to aim at every part of the board and builds familiarity with the layout. Track how many darts it takes you and try to beat your personal best.
🎯 Doubles Practice (10 minutes)
Go around the board hitting each double — double 1, double 2, double 3, and so on up to double 20, then the bullseye. Doubles are the hardest shots in darts and the ones you need most in 501. The sooner you start practising them, the faster you'll improve at finishing games.
Intermediate Routines
📊 100 Darts at Treble 20
Throw 100 darts (33 turns of 3, plus 1 extra) at treble 20 and record how many hit the treble. A beginner might hit 5-10 out of 100. A good club player hits 20-30. A professional hits 40+. Track this number weekly to measure your improvement.
🏁 Checkout Challenge
Start at 100 and try to check out in as few darts as possible. Once you finish, start at 100 again. This simulates the pressure of finishing a real game and forces you to practise both scoring and doubles under realistic conditions.
🎯 Bob's 27
The classic darts practice game. Start with 27 points. Aim at double 1 — if you hit it, add the double's value (2) to your score. If you miss all three darts, subtract the double's value (2) from your score. Move to double 2, then double 3, all the way to double 20, then bull. If your score reaches zero, you're out. A score over 27 is good. Over 200 is excellent. Over 400 is professional level.
Keep a simple log of your practice scores. Write down your 100-dart count at treble 20, your Bob's 27 scores, or your Around the Clock dart count. What gets measured gets improved. You'll be amazed how much you improve in just a few weeks of consistent practice.
What the Pros Do
Every professional player has a unique style — but they all share certain fundamentals. Here's what you can learn from watching the best players in the world.
| Player | Grip | Stance | Notable Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael van Gerwen | 3-finger front grip | Angled, leaning forward | Incredibly fast rhythm — throws all 3 darts in under 10 seconds |
| Phil Taylor | 3-finger, middle of barrel | Side-on, very still | Closed one eye when aiming. Minimal wrist action. Pure arm throw |
| Luke Humphries | 4-finger grip | Angled, stable base | Deliberate and methodical. Takes his time, same routine every dart |
| Luke Littler | 3-finger grip | Slightly front-on | Remarkably smooth release for his age. Quick but controlled rhythm |
| Peter Wright | 4-finger front grip | Side-on, very close to oche | Uses very short shafts and small flights for a direct, flat trajectory |
| Gary Anderson | 3-finger rear grip | Relaxed, slight lean | Famous for his effortless, flowing throw. Makes it look easy |
Notice that no two professionals throw the same way. Phil Taylor was side-on and closed an eye. MvG is angled and keeps both open. Gary Anderson grips the back of the barrel. Peter Wright grips the front. There is no "perfect" technique — there is only YOUR technique, repeated consistently. Find what works for you and drill it until it becomes automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hold a dart properly?
Hold the dart with at least three fingers — thumb, index and middle finger. Place your thumb on the underside of the barrel as support, with your index and middle fingers on top. The grip should be firm enough to control the dart but relaxed enough for a smooth release. Never grip so tight that your fingers turn white.
How should you stand when throwing darts?
Stand with your dominant foot forward, touching or close to the oche. Turn your body 45-90 degrees to the side so your throwing arm is closest to the board. Keep your weight on your front foot with your back foot for balance. Your body should be still — only your throwing arm moves.
How do you aim in darts?
Bring the dart up to eye level and use the dart tip as a sight — align it with your target on the board. Your elbow should be pointing at the board and should act as the hinge for your throw. Focus on a specific small target rather than the general area.
What is the correct throwing technique for darts?
The throw should come primarily from your forearm and wrist, not your shoulder. Keep your upper arm still, pull back to around your cheek or chin, then accelerate forward smoothly, releasing the dart as your arm extends. Follow through by pointing your fingers at the target after release.
How can I get better at darts?
Consistent practice is the single most important factor. Practice for 30 minutes a day rather than 3 hours once a week. Focus on one thing at a time — grip, stance or aim. Play games like Around the Clock to build accuracy across the whole board. Track your scores to measure progress.
Should I throw darts hard or soft?
Neither — you should throw with a smooth, controlled motion. Throwing too hard causes tension and reduces accuracy. Throwing too soft means the dart drops. The ideal throw uses just enough force for the dart to travel in a slight arc and land flat in the board. Think of it like throwing a paper aeroplane.
How many fingers should you use to grip a dart?
Most players use 3 or 4 fingers. The minimum is 3 — thumb, index and middle finger. Adding your ring finger gives more control but can make the release less clean. Start with 3 fingers and add a 4th only if it feels more natural.
Why do my darts go left or right?
Darts going left or right is usually caused by: your elbow not aligned with the target, releasing too early or too late, or your follow-through pulling to one side. Focus on keeping your elbow still and pointing at the target, and follow through straight towards where you want the dart to land.
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