Aiming techniques

You should pay attention to aiming. By truly concentrating on the board you can feel your focus being drawn into the diagonal lines. Then try to imagine your target area is bigger than it really is. Experiment with the following aiming options and make sure to practice. The key to consistent aiming is practicing until it becomes second nature.

• Find a sight line. Some people use a sight line on their throwing hand to help them aim. For example, you could use the first or second knuckle on the thumb of your throwing hand. Some people use the tip of the dart. Others use the small finger of the throwing hand to line up properly. The ultimate goal with a sight line is to line up your shot consistently.
• Lead with your elbow. Just like some pitchers in baseball lead their pitch with the elbow, you can lead your dart throw with your elbow. You start by being aware of where your elbow is pointing. Make sure your elbow is pointing slightly up and directly at the dart board. When you start your throw your elbow leads the process followed by the basic mechanics of your throw.
• Aim directly at your target. Some people try to aim to the left or right of the real target. This is just lazy darts and can lead to technical and mental problems the longer you throw. If you are aiming at triple 20 and you miss to the left then aim directly in the middle of the triple 20 again. Do not try to aim to the right to overcompensate for the last throw.
• Know your dominant eye. Everyone has a dominate eye and it is important to make sure you lead your aiming with that eye. If you do not know which of your eyes is dominant take turns throwing three darts with each eye closed. Whichever eye you have to struggle to keep closed while you throw your darts is your dominate eye. Make sure you lead with this eye and you will naturally gain confidence as your throw.