Darts
Warwick University's Guide to all things Darts:
The Basics of Throwing a Dart:
  The Throw (Pt 1)
  The Throw (Pt 2)
  The Throw (Pt 3)
  The Throw (Pt 4)
  The Grip (Pt 1)
  The Grip (Pt 2)
  The Stance
Buying Darts:
  Weight
  Flights and Shafts
The Mental Game:
  Introduction
  Tension
  Far Behind or in the Lead? (Pt 1)
  Far Behind or in the Lead? (Pt 2)
  Visualising
  A White Moment
  Against the Board or the Opponent?
  A Single Problem
Practice, Practice and Practice:
  Practice Sessions
  Practice Games (Pt 1)
  Practice Games (Pt 2)
  Warm-up
Darts Etiquette:
  Darts Etiquette
Glossary of Darts Terms:
  Glossary (Page 1)
  Glossary (Page 2)


Chapter 1 - The Basics of Throwing a Dart

3. The Stance
There is only one proper stance that fulfils the requirements for throwing: The right foot (left foot for left handers) forward stance. Almost all your weight rests on your right foot whilst your left foot maintains your balance. If you can't find any balance this way, you should work on it. This will be more beneficial than using a different stance. When we aim we put the dart and eye in one line. Our stance foot should also follow suit.

Balance

In every point of the throw you must stay perfectly balanced. This will be tricky for beginners and may prevent them from leaning forward too much.

Weight distribution: Your weight will mainly rest on your forward foot (stance foot), whilst your behind foot (balance foot) will just hold enough weight to balance your stance and prevent you from falling flat on your face. Remember, no matter which weight distribution you use, your stance must be rock-solid, and don't jump with your forward foot - it must always stay flat on the floor.

Leaning forward: The more you lean forward the nearer you will get to the board (think that's why we do it, huh?), but the more physically demanding and unstable your throw will be. If you lean forward too much you will soon find yourself with serious back problems, especially when you combine it with a sharp hip bend. To keep yourself healthy, be sure to use leaning forward wisely. Most pros have found a good compromise on this, and so should you. For advice just ask Bob Anderson about his back surgery.

Balance: Your balance leg is responsible for this work. Lifting it during the throw is not recommended, although it does for some pros, but these players have such a perfect balance that they will still beat you with only one foot on the ground. Again, don't 'jump' when throwing - 'one foot on the floor' is not only a rule for snooker. It is highly recommended for dart players too. Your balance foot shouldn't be flat on the ground (only okay for beginners); just the toes should touch it.

Torso: Your stance must guarantee that your body doesn't move at all when throwing. Remember the fixed shoulder joint of chapter one. Don't arch your back, keep your spine straight. Your body must be strained, but your arm must stay relaxed.

As a summery, don't start with a frontal stance, this will disturb all other technical necessities, and you will find yourself struggling sooner or later.

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