How to Throw a Dart: A Beginner's Guide to Grip, Stance and Release

Every year the World Championship gets thousands of people picking up darts for the first time. If that's you, welcome. The good news is that the basics are simple. Get these right early and you'll improve much faster.

1. Stance: how to stand

• Right-handed players put their right foot forward on the oche, left-handers their left.
• Turn your body side-on to the board, somewhere between straight on and fully sideways. Find what's comfortable and balanced.
• Put most of your weight on your front foot, but don't lean so far you wobble.
• Keep your stance the same every time. Consistency is everything in darts.

2. Grip: how to hold the dart

There's no single correct grip. Most players use three or four fingers.

• Find the dart's centre of gravity by balancing it on one finger. Place your thumb just behind that point.
• Hold it firmly enough to control it, but not so tight your fingers go white. Tension ruins accuracy.
• Keep the point tilted slightly upwards.

If your fingers get sweaty and the dart slips, a little finger grip wax helps. More in our guide to getting a better grip.

3. Aim

Line up the dart, your eye and the target. Most players look past the dart at the spot they want to hit. Keep your head still.

4. The throw

• Only your forearm should move. Your upper arm and shoulder stay still, like a hinge at the elbow.
• Bring the dart back towards your face in one smooth movement. Don't rush.
• Accelerate forwards and release the dart as your arm straightens.
• Follow through. Keep your arm moving after you let go, finishing with your hand pointing at the target. Stopping short is the most common beginner mistake.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Throwing too hard. Darts is about control, not power.
• Moving your body. Leaning or swaying as you throw sends darts all over the place.
• Changing everything after a bad throw. Stick with your technique and give it time.
• Dropping your elbow. Let it rise naturally on the follow-through.

Get the set-up right

Make sure your board is at the right height (1.73m to the bull) and you're the right distance away (2.37m). Practising at the wrong distance builds bad habits. Our home dartboard set-up checklist walks you through it.

What next?

Once you're throwing comfortably, learn how the dartboard is scored and try our 20-minute practice routine. Free UK delivery on every order.