Darts Technique and Drills for Beginners 

Thanks.

Quarantine fun only. ... But now really interested

Thank you - glad you found it helpful! I'm definitely no dart expert - lots to learn but I think it can help newer darters work on their skills.

Thanks Tim! Are you referring to what I talk through starting around the 3:30 mark? I thought I covered that, but want to make sure that's what you are talking about.

Pro tip: you can watch series on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching loads of movies recently.

@Cain Roberto yup, I've been watching on Flixzone} for months myself :D

Thanks Joshua - I'm definitely no pro, but I think it's decent to help people get to a reasonable level if they stink haha. I also see, watching all of the pros, how they flow from one dart right into the next. So I get the rhythm piece for sure.

I prefer to call it the Joe2Jock Man Cave, but yeah LOL

Hey thanks Patrick! As long as the video is helping some people I'm happy. I never claimed to be a professional dart thrower, and honestly darts is definitely not my best sport. It was an easy video to make at home, and I'm reasonable at it. There's no doubt there are people out there much better than I, but the goal of my channel isn't to provide help to people who are already really good darters LOL. My goal is to help people go from beginner or struggling with a sport they enjoy to at least an intermediate or intermediate advanced level. I've also learned that as much as I want everyone to like what I put out you can't satisfy some. And people on the internet can be pretty harsh when they're not talking to you face-to-face. So I'm glad you found it helpful, and I appreciate the comment. My next videos on other sports will certainly be better!

Thanks Samuel!

No doubt - I have changed my stance up quite a bit since the video to much more side on and stable on the back leg. Thanks for the feedback!

I honestly don't have a strong opinion on dart weight. I know the ones I throw the best are around the 22-23gr weight though.

Been playing for 6 months. 58 darts... Good job :'D

I've had it for probably 15 years. I think I got it at a dart store in Denver, CO. It was more of an oak color and I stained it darker.

Joe2Jock thanks!

It's always best to know the exact weight of each dart's barrel,- info is with the set bought! The darts weight is a guide to throwing with various weights, to feel, our preferred weight! If a barrel weight is not known, weigh each barrel separately, at a shop, that has a scale!

Yeah thanks I realized that after I made the video. I've done a part 2 video where I correct it and worked on improving my own form. Thank you though!

@@Joe2Jock i was gonna say the same as the previous commenter. Whats your height to dead center of bullseye? Should be 5'-8" where 7'-9*1/4" to the toe line is from the contact face of the board. With that said your other tips are spot on. I will say this however; master what you are comfortable with but practice outside your comfort zone as well. Between barrel weights, shaft length, and flight shape there are near infinite combinations of configurations. Never know when you'll get challenged and don't have your set with you. My friends get salty when I beat them with their own sets😎 Good video all in all. Your cricket advice with points is spot on. I tell all my newcomers to focus on grouping. Then teaching themselves to move the group.

8ft is from the wall 7ft 9 1/4 is from the face of the board I think

@@danepickens508 incorrect, 8’ for soft tip, 7’9 1/4 for steel tip

No doubt it's a big deal over there, and I'm definitely not a pro. I did just post a new video with updated info - I'm working on it LOL

Interesting. I know that I seem to miss low more often with darts that are too heavy. I also notice the heavier darts seem much more stable in the air. I suppose it's possible.

I think you're absolutely right, a heavier dart will have more momentum given a relatively consistent throwing mechanic (approximating constant speed). If I change to lighter darts they typically drop sooner until I acclimatise.

@@Joe2Jock I recently went through a phase dropping my favoured heavier darts due to throwing tentatively. I experimented with a lighter dart to encourage a more 'full-fat' throw and graduated back to my preferred dart barrels at the heavier weight. For more stability, I'd recommend bigger and/or thicker flights; grip and ability to release consistently is another factor. Thank you for your video - great to discuss. All the best!

Yeah I realized that after some previous comments. I corrected it in a second video and in the description. My mistake.

Thanks for the comment. I’m new and just set up my practice place using the 7’-9 1/4”. I liked his eve discussion. A nice video.

Thanks for the comment. I’m new and just set up my practice place using the 7’-9 1/4”. I liked his eye lining up discussion. A nice video.

Go to a local bar anywhere in the world other than the UK or a dart league in the states and tell me how many people can easily hit 65 points on the nose in 3 darts. I'll guarantee you it's way less than 5%. This video is obviously below your skill level, and you're missing my point because I'm not basing all of my tips on 301/501. There ARE other dart games besides 01s, and lots of people play them. In the states dart leagues play both 301 and Cricket. So figuring out how to hit a number that's more than what you can score with a triple is an important skill, especially for people getting into the game. Tell me you don't have to hit a certain number sometimes so that you can get to a good double out in 301. Tell me what's incorrect about my technique advice, not my actual form. I don't like my follow through either, and I'm working on it. In fact I've been researching darts today and working on my form the last several days since I've been blasted for this video so much. I'm an athlete and a perfectionist, and it both upsets me when people don't like what I've taken the time to put out there, and ticks me off when people like you run their mouth. So I'll get better and keep making videos on other sports. You go call someone else a dolt and have fun watching someone else's videos. Good day sir.

I didnt mean any offense its a hard sport to learn. Think we got off on the wrong foot. I play in league in the usa unfortunately covid 19 is lame. I should have offered advice instead of being a dick

01 i think should be a game taught first you get to know the board better scoring comes with time. Knowing how to get out in a rough spot is every thing. Your follow through should be watched you can see the dart better you will get it. What gram darts are you tossing?

And again im sorry anyone and everyone who plays the sport is cool in my eyes

@@paulkimball6097 I appreciate that reply! I know I'm obviously no dart expert and certainly don't claim to know it all lol. I've just always beaten most of the people I've played, I've always been good at sports, and I'm a coach by nature so I can usually help people who suck get quite a bit better. But as I watch these videos of people who are really good I'm humbled, and I do realize my form can get a lot better. I currently have three sets, and I realize now that they vary way too much in weight. I've got one set that has 19gr barrels, one set of 23gr, and one set that's 27gr. I like the grip on the 27s the best, but I throw the 23s the best and they feel like the proper weight for me, so I'm looking at 22s and 23s with a similar grip to my 27s, which are DartWorld SharpShooters I think. Looking to spend maybe $50 on a set, which I know isn't very much for really good darts but I'm open to suggestions!

Yeah I've worked on it a lot since this video. I posted a second video with the changes I've made.

@ciaran perry becomes difficult, he died in 2012

I would have gone with "tips from a guy who is good at sports and beats most people he plays against in America who is trying his best to help people who are just starting out but doesn't live in the UK where apparently everyone plays darts professionally" but that didn't fit.

@@Joe2Jock oh I’m sorry. Was I making believe I was an expert? Or was that you? Loser

No-one missed you when you were asleep

and NEVER plan to leave a double that's half is odd...man this is actually pretty painful to watch as a league player.

@@lisawilson4669 OK let me ask you a few questions. Have you ever seen 301 on an electronic board in a bar? I have. Does every person who plays darts play 501? No. How many beginner dart players are league players? Not many. Do you think it's important for a beginner dart player to learn skills of hitting precise numbers and doing drills to improve their throw? Of course. I never said "if you want to play league 501 this is how you play". I made up my own drills to help learn some skills of throwing darts. It is pretty obvious that I don't play in league and don't play 501 very often. I do, however, beat most people I play darts against. I also beat most people I play in most sports, yet elite players would probably find fault with something I do in every one of them. My point is, I'm trying to help people get better. And I will guarantee you that if any beginner watches any of my videos and tries any of my suggestions they will get better. If you're a league player, why on earth are you watching a "Darts Technique and Drills for BEGINNERS" video? Is it my finest video? No. Will it help some people? The comments show it has. Could it be better? Absolutely. In fact comments like yours made me make another one with better information.

You made a great video with the knowledge you have. You are a multisport athlete. I wouldn't expect a decathlon athlete for example to beat Usain Bolt in the 100m, but they can still be fast as hell.

@@Scolecite Thank you - that's the goal of my page. I learned a lot that I didn't know from the comments on the video, and I'll keep trying to help people improve at all sports and make better videos!

Hi Shaun, what about them? Most of my darts have aluminum shafts. I assume that will change the way they fly?

Joe2Jock professionals use plastic ones two, nothing wrong about. I use harrows supergrip and they are perfect

I know plenty of League players that play w Aluminum shafts. Not every person is cut from the same cloth, bud.

I only use nylon/plastic shafts as the aluminum points, slice the flights points, mostly before the rest of flights are severly damaged! Ring grips help with flights! I made my own, when I couldn't buy them! There is some good advice; not all comments are critical, or meant to be! Have a great game! 🙂

@@Joe2Jock Aluminum shafts are too light and they can bend easily. Even pro players uses carbon/nylon and so do I.

In the process of learning! 🙂

Lorne, care to educate us newcomers or refer us to a better site. No point in putting the guy down withour input.

@@briancaldwell283 The disance of the dartboard should NOT be 8ft. The length is 7'9" from the board. The bullseye is 5'8" dead centre for the height. Most people use 23g darts to 26g darts for weight. Tungsten is heavier than steal, but the darts are thinner, so it's easier to hit triples and double. 90% to 95% tungsten are the best darts available. Flights and shafts are just as important as the darts so buy several and see what best feels good for you. I like Supergrip, medium length shafts, and I use Ruthless flights. When throwing, make sure you bend your elbow so that your arm is bent in a "L" shape. Grip your dart the way YOU feel most comfortable, everyone holds darts differently. When releasing your dart, follow through like a basketball, not following threw is chucking a dart, and it's not accurate. Try and stay in one spot all the time. Only move on the oche line if your darts are blocking your next shot. Moving constantly one the line will never make you a consistent darts player. And...HAVE FUN! 🎯 The toe line is the "oche" line. Most accurate players line their foot parallel to the oche line. By putting your toe against the oche line, you are actually throwing a few inches farther for distance.

@@maxwebster66 thanks Lorne. I'm just getting back into darts and after several "test" tries I have yet to hit the board. After 35 years away I guess the old arm has a memory loss. Cheers.

Most players preferred dart weight is from 20 grams;- with 21 to 24 grams being very popular, as I've seen in some darts information!

So I just watched three of Wayne Mardle's videos. You and James Joyce are both blasting what I'm teaching or showing. Apparently Wayne was number 1 in the world at one point right? In his videos he says, "chin up" I say "chest up" - essentially the same thing. Wayne says get stable on your lead leg, I say to get stable on your lead leg. In his interview video where he blows the dart into the board he says he changed his throw to pull the dart straight back and through, and he mentioned his elbow being stable and high. I talk in depth about figuring out how to get your body turned so that you bend ONLY at the elbow and bring the dart back and forth to your eye. He talks about not having excessive moving parts - I say the same thing. He talks about a good follow throw, I mention having a good "release of your hand" and demonstrate it. Wayne says he likes his darts to "stand up" and shows a video where all three are probably at a 30 degree angle upward - I said they should go in slightly angled upward. James Joyce doesn't like that either because apparently you need to be able to throw them so they stick any direction. I would submit if you're that good you are WAY beyond the level that needs to be watching this video. Now you don't like my follow through in some of my other throws - I would agree with you that my demonstration of release isn't ideal. But I've closed out Cricket games in 11 darts. I can play. And I missed the 19 (you might be surprised how you perform when you know it's on camera) big deal. By the way Wayne threw a bounce out while showing his throw. He also didn't have any drills, no strategy, etc. You can bag my video all you want but I'll stand by my recommendations for people who aren't too good at darts to get quite a bit better - which is always my goal. If you guys are so good then it's obviously not the video for you or go make your own and I'll be happy to comment on those, but the content is not wrong.

Somebody is not a happy teddy and has thrown his dummy out his cot.

Martin, of course everything on the dart means something when throwing. That’s not the point of the video and you clearly missed it. For a person who may never have touched a dart or thrown one, this video fits the need. You’ve obviously haven’t played darts in a college town where “baseball throw” is thought to be the correct way to throw it. This video helps the average Joe.

I get the video. But it helps if you can hit the number. Gives you confidence the person on the video knows what they are taking about. If the miss why would you try their tips because you could also miss. Their tips should be correct and hit the number the aim at. Watch dave llewellyn darts videos.

I'm all for constructive criticism of my videos because my top priority is helping people improve. But it's kind of an unfair pot shot to just say it's inaccurate and discredit my video when many others have commented that it helped them without offering why. I can guarantee the drills are helpful even if you don't like the techniques I'm teaching.

@@Joe2Jock i found myself trying hard to understand the reasoning behind playing 301 and focusing only on scoring 65 when it can be done in 6 darts double in.. A better simpler way would be to start 301 on a double and try finish it it 15/18 darts for a beginner just an idea Your wanting the darts to only stand up from horizontal isnt what every player wants.. I myself have gone through experimental phases where i wanted them to lay down for me, or lay at a 90 degree angle or now I prefer they stand up so i can slot in under them as a sorter player.. Its all down to personal preference Your follow through wasnt a full extension of the arm rather more of a snap therefore offering a bad example for players that learn by watching, I dont know anything about Cricket so i cant say anything about the strategy employed, we dont play that in Ireland. So ill give you that one. Aiming at the triple 19 when wanting a 19 is more bad advice.. Its better to focus on the bigger segment and work your way in to the triple when starting off.. Youll thrn find yourself gravitating towards the triple 19 subconsciously on 59 even though you don't want it, therefore leaving yourself 2 to do instead of 40.. Or worse missing the 19 altogether and forfeiting a dart at a double in order to correct the mistake I only got to about 60% of finishing the video when I decided "nope, enough is enough"

@@jamesjoyce9450 OK, now we're getting somewhere. I appreciate the feedback - some fair and some taken way out of context to be fair. One thing that is pretty obvious is that you are an experienced dart thrower if you're working on flighting darts nose down or nose up. And this video is most obviously geared toward less experienced dart throwers who aren't all located in Ireland and who play other games besides 301 - so please keep that in mind. You seem to have very high standards for your dart videos, BUT there's still some valuable information and drills in there for beginner to intermediate throwers. You have to realize darts is a BIG thing over there, but not everywhere. I've seen the crowds watching Phil Taylor. It's a big deal. Most people I see struggle to hit within one number segment on either side of their actual target, and this video can help them. There are a few things that you seem to mis-interpret from the video or you just checked out early enough to not hear it correctly. The 65 point deal is a drill, not a strategy. In any game of 301 sometimes you miss your mark and have to quickly add or subtract to figure out how to get to a number right? Well throwing three darts and trying to figure out how to achieve a number (in this case I chose 65) is a good way to practice. Of course my strategy playing 301 is to hit triples. I used the aiming at the triple ring as an example of aiming small, again not strategy, and not for 301 necessarily. In cricket there's never a bad time to hit a triple of whatever number you're throwing at. If I want to hit ONLY a 19 I would focus on a small part of the center of the fat part of the 19 wedge, but the point still stands that aiming small is valuable (and can be applied to most sports). I'll work on smoothing out my follow through for you - that's what practice is for. And I'd be happy to play you any time so you can show me why you should have made your own video.

James, the average person picking up darts for the first time can’t hit 2 out of 3, 20s, so aiming for a low number makes sense. Tell your neighbors wife to go hit 170, lol. Sure, if you practice, you may someday get there, but that’s not the point of this video. Most people just want to hit 3 20s and could not care about even trying to hit 170 or even practice it. You have to start somewhere.

I don't lose very often. Besides, are all the PGA tour golf coaches good players? Are all NBA basketball coaches incredible players? No. Doesn't make the information bad. Try the drills and see if you don't improve.

I know many of players that don’t follow through like PDC players, it’s okay, it’s just the beginning, they can correct their throws as they begin to land a bed of 20s. It’s not that crucial.