Mastering **dart double out training** is crucial for consistent success at any level. This article provides practical strategies, drills, and mental techniques to improve your ability to finish legs confidently and efficiently by hitting those vital doubles. We’ll explore effective practice routines, target prioritization, and mental approaches to help you become a deadly double-out artist.
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The Importance of Dart Double Out Training
While hitting big scores is undoubtedly important in darts, it’s the ability to consistently **hit your doubles** that separates the good players from the great. Many players can rack up impressive totals, but falter when it comes to closing out a leg. **Dart double out training** directly addresses this weakness, transforming you from a scorer to a finisher. Neglecting your doubles practice is a common pitfall, leading to frustration and lost opportunities. By dedicating time to perfecting your double-hitting accuracy, you gain a significant competitive edge.

Think of it this way: building a house requires a strong foundation and a roof. Scoring is your foundation, allowing you to rapidly reduce your score. Hitting doubles is your roof; it provides the ultimate protection, sealing the win. Without that “roof” of reliable doubles, all the hard work getting down to a finish goes to waste. Focusing on **dart double out training** ensures you have the complete package.
Effective Dart Double Out Training Drills
The key to effective **dart double out training** lies in structured practice. Simply throwing darts randomly at the board won’t cut it. Here are some drills designed to improve your double accuracy:
- The Around the Clock Drill: Start with double 1 and throw at it until you hit it. Then move to double 2, then double 3, and so on, all the way around the board to double 20 and then the bullseye. Record how many darts it takes you to complete the circuit. Try to beat your previous time on subsequent attempts. This builds consistency and familiarizes you with each double on the board.
- The Single Double Single Drill: Choose a specific double to focus on. Throw one dart at the single number next to the double, one dart at the double itself, and then another dart at the single number. This helps you focus on your setup and accuracy without solely concentrating on hitting the double with all three darts. This drill is excellent for building rhythm.
- The “9-Darter Finish” Simulation: This drill simulates the pressure of a potential 9-dart finish, but with a focus on doubles. Start with a score of 170. Attempt to finish in three darts by hitting treble 20, treble 20, and double 25 (bullseye). If you miss, reset to 170 and try again. This drill trains you to perform under pressure and visualize success.
- The Random Double Challenge: Write down all the double numbers (1-20, plus bullseye) on separate pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Pick one at random and that’s the double you have to hit. Once you hit it, pick another. This adds an element of unpredictability and forces you to quickly adjust your aim.
Remember to track your progress. Note down your scores, the number of darts taken for each drill, and any observations about your technique. This data will help you identify areas for improvement and tailor your **dart double out training** to your specific needs. Using a Dart game scoring app can help with this.
Varying Your Practice: Adding Pressure and Realistic Scenarios
Once you are comfortable with the basic drills, it’s essential to introduce elements of pressure and realism. This could involve setting time limits, competing against a virtual opponent, or playing practice games with specific scoring targets. For instance, you could play a game of 501, but only allow yourself to finish on doubles. This forces you to think strategically about your scoring and prioritise leaving yourself a double. Another good practice is to aim for **match darts** to get yourself acquainted with the stress of finishing a game.
Understanding Double Prioritization and Checkout Routes
Not all doubles are created equal. Some are easier to hit than others, and some leave you with better options if you miss. Effective **dart double out training** includes understanding double prioritization and checkout routes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Prioritize Wide-Angle Doubles: Doubles like double 20, double 16, and double 18 have a wider angle of entry than narrower doubles like double 1 or double 2. This makes them statistically easier to hit.
- Leave Yourself Options: When planning your checkout, consider what happens if you miss your target double. For example, if you’re on 40 and aim for double 20, a miss inside leaves you on 20 (double 10). If you aim for double 10, a miss inside leaves you on 30 (no double available).
- Understand Common Checkout Routes: Familiarize yourself with common checkout routes, such as 160 (T20, T20, D20), 100 (T20, D20), and 81 (T17, D15). Knowing these routes instinctively will help you make quicker and more strategic decisions at the oche.
Learning which doubles to aim for in different situations is crucial to **dart double out training**. Practice different scenarios and analyze the outcomes to refine your decision-making process. A good drill is to come up with a random score and try to calculate the best possible checkout in under 30 seconds.

The Mental Game of Dart Double Out Training
Hitting doubles isn’t just about physical skill; it’s also about mental fortitude. The pressure of closing out a leg can be immense, and many players crumble under the pressure. Effective **dart double out training** addresses the mental aspects of the game.
- Visualization: Before throwing, visualize the dart hitting the double. See the dart fly through the air and land precisely where you want it. This mental rehearsal can improve your confidence and accuracy.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of thinking “I’m going to miss,” think “I’m going to hit this double.”
- Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Don’t dwell on the importance of hitting the double. Instead, focus on your technique, your grip, your stance, and your release. This will help you stay calm and centered.
- Embrace Failure: Missing doubles is inevitable. Don’t let it get you down. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach, and move on.
Developing a strong mental game is just as important as physical practice in **dart double out training**. Practice these techniques regularly to build your mental resilience and confidence.
Equipment and Setup for Dart Double Out Training
Having the right equipment and a proper setup is essential for effective **dart double out training**. Here are some key considerations:
- Darts: Choose darts that are comfortable and suit your throwing style. Experiment with different weights, shapes, and grip points to find what works best for you. Consider specialized **tune darts** for optimal performance.
- Dartboard: Invest in a high-quality dartboard made of sisal fibers. Ensure it is properly mounted at the correct height (5 feet 8 inches to the center of the bullseye) and distance (7 feet 9.25 inches from the face of the board to the oche).
- Oche: Use a clearly marked oche to ensure consistent throwing distance. Check that the how long darts oche is correct.
- Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial for clear visibility. Use a dartboard surround with integrated lighting or install overhead lights that illuminate the board evenly.

A well-maintained and properly setup dartboard will contribute significantly to your **dart double out training**. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in your environment.
Advanced Dart Double Out Training Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can explore more advanced **dart double out training** techniques to further refine your skills. These include:
- Developing a “Go-To” Double: Identify one double that you are particularly comfortable with and make it your go-to double whenever possible. This gives you a consistent target to aim for and builds confidence.
- Strategic Number Selection: Learn to manipulate your score to leave yourself on your preferred double. This requires advanced calculation skills and a deep understanding of the game.
- Pressure Practice with Simulated Match Conditions: Recreate the atmosphere of a real match as closely as possible. Play against opponents of varying skill levels, set time limits, and introduce distractions to simulate the pressure of competition.
These advanced techniques require dedication and practice, but they can significantly elevate your game and make you a formidable opponent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Dart Double Out Training
Even with the best intentions, players can make mistakes during **dart double out training** that hinder their progress. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them:
- Neglecting Warm-up: Always warm up your muscles before starting your practice session. This will improve your accuracy and reduce the risk of injury.
- Practicing Without a Plan: Don’t just throw darts aimlessly at the board. Have a specific goal in mind for each practice session and follow a structured plan.
- Ignoring Your Weaknesses: Focusing only on your strengths will not make you a well-rounded player. Identify your weaknesses, such as hitting specific doubles, and dedicate time to improving them.
- Over-Practicing: Overtraining can lead to fatigue and decreased performance. Take breaks when needed and listen to your body.
- Poor Equipment Maintenance: Regularly check your darts for damage and sharpen your points to ensure optimal grip on the board.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you get the most out of your **dart double out training** and accelerate your progress. Remember, quality over quantity is key.
Integrating Dart Double Out Training into Your Overall Game
**Dart double out training** shouldn’t be viewed as a separate entity, but rather as an integral part of your overall darts game. It’s crucial to integrate your doubles practice into your regular practice routine and game play. Here’s how:
- Dedicate Time to Doubles in Every Practice Session: Set aside at least 20-30 minutes of each practice session specifically for doubles training.
- Incorporate Doubles into Your Scoring Practice: When practicing your scoring, aim to leave yourself on doubles whenever possible.
- Analyze Your Doubles Performance in Real Games: After each game, review your doubles performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Adjust Your Training Based on Your Performance: If you are struggling with a particular double, dedicate more time to practicing that double in your next training session.
By integrating **dart double out training** into your overall game, you will gradually improve your doubles accuracy and become a more consistent and confident player.

The Future of Dart Double Out Training
The world of darts is constantly evolving, and so too is the approach to training. Emerging technologies, such as **darts robot** training systems and sophisticated data analytics, are poised to revolutionize **dart double out training**. These innovations will provide players with more personalized feedback, advanced performance tracking, and highly targeted training programs. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality could also provide immersive and realistic practice environments, further enhancing the effectiveness of training. As these technologies become more accessible, we can expect to see even greater improvements in doubles accuracy and overall performance in the years to come.
Conclusion
Effective **dart double out training** is essential for success in darts. By incorporating structured drills, understanding double prioritization, developing a strong mental game, and maintaining proper equipment, you can significantly improve your doubles accuracy and become a more confident and consistent player. Remember to track your progress, adjust your training based on your performance, and integrate doubles practice into your overall game. Start implementing these strategies today and unlock your potential to become a deadly double-out artist. Now, grab your darts, put these tips into practice, and start hitting those doubles consistently! Chase the Sun on the dartboard and perfect your finishing!
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.