Hitting the darts double 17 is crucial for finishing many legs of darts. This article provides tips and strategies to master this essential checkout, along with ways to improve your overall darts game. You’ll learn practical techniques, understand common mistakes, and discover drills to elevate your accuracy and consistency.
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Mastering the Darts Double 17: Your Guide to Checkout Success
The darts double 17, while not as glamorous as the double top (double 20), is a vital target for any serious darts player. It appears in numerous checkout combinations, making its consistent hitting crucial for winning games. Many players find doubles challenging, and the double 17 is no exception, requiring practice and a strategic approach.
Why is Darts Double 17 Important?
The importance of the darts double 17 stems from its frequency in standard checkout charts. Consider scenarios where you leave yourself on scores like 34, 68, or 102. Knowing you can reliably hit the double 17 provides a comfortable and confident finish. Ignoring this double leaves you scrambling for alternative routes, often under pressure from your opponent.
Consider also the psychological aspect. The ability to consistently hit darts double 17 can significantly boost your confidence, especially in crucial match-play situations. Conversely, struggling with this double can erode your self-assurance and lead to missed opportunities.
Techniques for Hitting Darts Double 17 Consistently
Developing a reliable technique is paramount for consistent success with any double, including the darts double 17. Here are some essential techniques to consider:
- Stance and Posture: Maintain a consistent and balanced stance. Your weight should be evenly distributed, and your posture should be relaxed yet focused. Experiment to find what feels most natural and repeatable for you.
- Grip: Your grip should be firm enough to control the dart but not so tight that it introduces tension. Avoid gripping the dart too tightly, which can lead to inaccurate throws.
- Aiming: Focus intently on the double 17 segment. Visualize the dart hitting the target before you even begin your throw. Consider using a consistent aiming point on the dartboard.
- Follow-Through: A smooth and complete follow-through is crucial for accuracy. Ensure your arm extends fully towards the target, and your hand finishes in the same position after each throw.
- Rhythm and Timing: Develop a consistent rhythm in your throwing motion. Avoid rushing or hesitating. The smoother and more consistent your rhythm, the more accurate you will be.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with solid technique, certain common mistakes can hinder your ability to hit the darts double 17. Awareness of these pitfalls can help you proactively correct them:
- Gripping the Dart Too Tightly: This is a frequent mistake that introduces unnecessary tension.
- Rushing the Throw: Taking your time and focusing on your target is critical.
- Inconsistent Stance: A shaky or unbalanced stance directly affects your accuracy.
- Poor Follow-Through: A short or incomplete follow-through often leads to erratic throws.
- Lack of Focus: Distractions or wavering concentration can throw off your aim.
Effective Darts Double 17 Practice Drills
Targeted practice drills are essential for honing your skills and building muscle memory. Here are some effective drills to help you master the darts double 17:
- The ‘Around the Clock’ Double Drill: Start at double 1 and work your way around the board, attempting to hit each double in sequence. This drill helps you develop consistency and accuracy on all doubles, including the darts double 17.
- The 3-Dart Double 17 Challenge: Throw three darts at the darts double 17. Track your success rate over multiple rounds. Aim to steadily improve your accuracy percentage.
- Checkout Simulation: Practice common checkout combinations that involve the darts double 17. For example, if you’re on 51, practice hitting the 17 followed by the darts double 17.
- Pressure Practice: Simulate match-play pressure by setting conditions, such as needing to hit the darts double 17 to win a “leg.” This helps you build mental fortitude and perform under pressure.
Advanced Strategies for Darts Double 17
Once you’ve developed a solid foundation, you can explore more advanced strategies to optimize your use of the darts double 17:
- Strategic Checkout Planning: Anticipate your potential checkout routes and prioritize leaving yourself on scores that lead to the darts double 17.
- Opponent Awareness: Consider your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses when planning your checkouts. If they struggle with a particular double, try to steer the game towards that target.
- Score Management: Effectively manage your score to maximize your opportunities to hit the darts double 17. This may involve strategically choosing different scoring options to leave yourself on a favorable number.
Remember to analyse your throws and your performance on the darts double 17. Identify your weaknesses and adjust your technique to improve. Consider working with a coach or more experienced player. Reviewing videos of professional players can also provide valuable insights.
Equipment Considerations for Darts Double 17 Success
The right equipment can significantly impact your performance. While the darts double 17 is a specific target, your darts, board, and setup can influence your ability to hit it consistently.
- Dart Weight and Balance: Experiment with different dart weights and balances to find what feels most comfortable and accurate for you. Some players prefer heavier darts for stability, while others prefer lighter darts for finesse. Some players prefer straight barrel darts.
- Dart Shafts and Flights: Experiment with different shaft lengths and flight shapes to optimize the trajectory of your darts. Shorter shafts and smaller flights tend to produce flatter trajectories, while longer shafts and larger flights offer more stability.
- Dartboard Quality: Ensure you’re using a high-quality dartboard with clearly defined segments and minimal bounce-outs. A worn-out or poorly maintained dartboard can negatively impact your accuracy. Speaking of dartboards, do you know are dart boards made of horsehair?
- Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for clear visibility of the dartboard. Ensure your dartboard is well-lit to minimize shadows and glare.
Remember to keep your dart points sharp to minimize bounce-outs and improve dartboard grip. Regular maintenance of your equipment will help you maintain optimal performance. You might want to use a darts tri stand to keep your spare darts. Also, if you enjoy playing darts, there are useful phone apps that can help you keep score, such as Digital dart score app.
Mental Game and Darts Double 17
The mental aspect of darts is just as important as the physical technique. Maintaining a positive and focused mindset is crucial for success, especially when targeting the darts double 17.
- Visualization: Visualize yourself hitting the darts double 17 successfully before each throw. This helps build confidence and reinforces the correct throwing motion.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Believe in your ability to hit the target.
- Concentration: Minimize distractions and maintain focus on your target. Block out external pressures and focus solely on the task at hand.
- Resilience: Don’t let missed throws discourage you. Learn from your mistakes and maintain a positive attitude.
- Managing Pressure: Develop strategies for managing pressure in crucial match-play situations. Take deep breaths, focus on your routine, and trust your training.
Adapting to Different Playing Styles
Different opponents bring different playing styles, and adapting your strategy can give you an edge. This applies even to focusing on the darts double 17.
- Aggressive Players: Against aggressive players, focus on consistent scoring to put pressure on them. Force them to take risks and capitalize on their mistakes.
- Defensive Players: Against defensive players, be patient and methodical. Don’t force unnecessary shots. Wait for the right opportunity to strike.
- Unpredictable Players: Against unpredictable players, try to anticipate their moves and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be prepared for unexpected shots and changes in tempo.
Observe your opponent’s tendencies and adjust your strategy accordingly. Pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses and exploit them to your advantage.
Darts Double 17: A Key Component of Overall Darting Success
While mastering the darts double 17 is essential, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A well-rounded darts game requires proficiency in all aspects of the sport.
- Consistent Scoring: Develop a reliable scoring game to consistently set up your checkouts.
- Checkout Ability: Practice all the common checkout combinations to become a versatile finisher.
- Mental Toughness: Cultivate a strong mental game to perform under pressure.
- Strategic Thinking: Develop strategic thinking skills to outmaneuver your opponents.
By focusing on all these areas, you can become a complete and formidable darts player. Remember that mastery takes time and consistent effort.
Conclusion
The darts double 17 is a critical target in darts, and consistent accuracy here can significantly improve your game. By focusing on proper technique, consistent practice, and a strong mental game, you can master this essential checkout. Remember to adjust your equipment, adapt to different playing styles, and continuously refine your skills to achieve your darting goals. Now, grab your darts and start practicing hitting that darts double 17! Ready to take your game to the next level? Explore advanced strategies and training programs to become a truly elite darts player.
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.