How to Perfect Your Dart Stance

The proper dart stance sets up the perfect rhythm for your whole game as it is the key to get off on a high note during play. A good stance equals comfort which equals good results.

So how do you ensure that you are starting off on the right footing?

Here are a few basic pointers that’ll help you perfect your dart stance:

Line up properly

To set the right stance, It is important to look at your bullseye, then in your mind’s eye draw a line from the bullseye to the floor then to the throwing line where you stand.

Anchor it visually and ensure that you line up at this point every time you throw. This will ensure that you continually have consistent and accurate throws every time.

Standing at the line

There are different ways to place your feet on the throw line including the angled, forward and the side stance.

The side stance allows the full edge of your front shooting foot on the throw line while the forward stance allows your toe of your front foot to touch the throw line.

The angled stance is the midstance between the forward and the side, for players who have a balance and liking for both.

The side stance is perfect for placing your eye and your throwing arm on the same line. This way your arm will not make unnecessary moves to hinder your accuracy.

To further control the throw, put your elbow in and move your back foot behind the front foot.

The most advisable stance though is the forward stance. This stance puts your dominant foot in front, pointing at the bullseye, and the other foot behind you, a bit to the side for balance, control, and comfort.

The right stance footholds all the weight, while the other foot ensures balance.

The perfect stance ensures that your shoulders and the dartboard form a 90 degrees angle, and the forward foot, back foot, and the oche too form another 90 degrees angle.

Ensure that your shoulders are parallel to the ground, keeping your spine straight and arm relaxed.

This is not an easy stance to accomplish, so most players practice to figure out what gives them comfort while trying to achieve the most of this stance.

Firm footing

To be accurate, you do need to have your feet firmly planted on the ground.

While your front foot is providing a firm base, the back foot should be channeling the balance for the throw. As you progress you will realize too that your balance foot doesn’t need to be firm ground on the floor.

So long as the toes touch the floor, then you are good. Avoid making jumps when throwing, your feet firmly on the floor equals accuracy due to enhanced balance.

Distribution of your weight

Ensure that your body’s weight is placed more on the foot closest to the dartboard. Most professionals describe this aspect as having the front foothold 75% of their body weight.

Let your back foot only maintain your upright posture for balance.

Leaning 

Most players lean forward to get the feeling that they are closer to the dartboard, therefore more accurate.

While this may be advantageous, it can also cause them to become imbalanced. So it is up to you to find the midline, and what works best for you and with a level of comfort.

Do not force your body to lean too far forward as this can cause pain and back injuries with time.

Torso

Your body should not make any movements at all when you throw. Your shoulder has to be fixed to ensure accuracy and movement in your body impede this act.

Your body should be stiff, but your arm should be relaxed, and this is a delicate balance that can be worked out through lots of practice.

Conclusion

While we do throw darts with our hands, underestimating the importance of your stance during the throw can only bring you poor results. Practice a healthy stance and watch your dart soar as you assume the stance that makes champions like Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor great at what they do.

Want to learn more about throwing darts? Check out our other guides:

• How to throw darts
• How to aim darts
• How to hold a dart