Darts Double Training: Nail Doubles Every Time!

Mastering your darts double training is key to consistently closing out legs and significantly boosting your overall game. This article will provide a structured approach to improving your double accuracy, covering everything from stance and grip adjustments to targeted practice routines and mental strategies.

Why Darts Double Training is Essential

Many dart players focus heavily on hitting trebles for high scores, but neglecting darts double training is a critical mistake. A high score is meaningless if you can’t close the leg by hitting the required double. Winning in darts is about consistently finishing strong, and that means mastering those tricky doubles. Focusing on doubles will also improve your overall dart throwing technique and increase your confidence.

The Importance of Finishing in Darts

Finishing – hitting the required double to win a leg – is arguably the most crucial aspect of darts. You might be scoring heavily with 180s and high trebles, but if you repeatedly miss your doubles, you’ll lose to opponents who may not score as high but can consistently close out legs. Effective darts double training transforms you from a good scorer into a winning player.

Think of it like this: a race car with a powerful engine is impressive, but it needs reliable brakes to win. Your scoring is the engine; your finishing, powered by dedicated darts double training, is the brakes.

Fundamentals of Darts Double Training

Before diving into specific practice routines, it’s essential to revisit and solidify the fundamentals. Even slight adjustments to your stance, grip, or throw can significantly impact your accuracy on the doubles.

Stance and Alignment

Your stance provides the foundation for your throw. Experiment with different stances to find what feels most comfortable and stable. Consider these points:

• Foot Placement: Most players adopt a sideways stance, with their dominant foot pointing towards the oche (throw line). Try different angles to see what aligns your body best with the target double.
• Weight Distribution: Maintain a balanced weight distribution between both feet. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
• Consistency: Once you find a comfortable stance, stick to it. Consistency is key to developing muscle memory.

Grip

Your grip influences the release of the dart. There’s no single “correct” grip, but here are some guidelines:

• Pressure: Grip the dart firmly but not too tightly. A tense grip can lead to erratic throws.
• Finger Placement: Experiment with different finger placements. Some players use three fingers, while others prefer two or four.
• Release: Focus on a smooth, consistent release. Avoid snatching or jerking the dart.

Throwing Technique

A smooth, repeatable throwing motion is crucial for accuracy. Consider these points:

• Stance: As mentioned above, maintain a solid and balanced stance throughout your throw.
• Arm Movement: Keep your upper arm relatively still and use your forearm to generate power.
• Follow-Through: Follow through completely with your arm, pointing towards the target double after the dart is released.
• Eye on the Target: Maintain focus on the specific double you are aiming for throughout your throw.

Effective Darts Double Training Routines

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s explore some effective darts double training routines. These drills are designed to improve your accuracy and consistency on the doubles.

The “Around the Clock” Double Drill

This is a classic drill for practicing all the doubles. Start at Double 1 and work your way around the board to Double 20, then finish on the bullseye (treated as a double). Here’s how it works:

1. Aim for Double 1. You get three darts to hit it.
2. If you hit Double 1, move on to Double 2.
3. If you miss Double 1 with all three darts, you stay on Double 1 until you hit it.
4. Repeat this process for all the doubles, including the bullseye.

Variations:

• Time Limit: Set a time limit for completing the drill to add pressure.
• Progressive Difficulty: Start with hitting each double once. Then, increase the requirement to hitting each double twice, then three times, before moving on.

The “Double Out” Simulation Drill

This drill simulates the pressure of closing out a leg. Choose a random score and practice “double outing” from that score. Here’s how:

1. Randomly select a score between 40 and 170 (or use a Dart Counter App to generate one).
2. Calculate the optimal checkout route (the most efficient way to reach a double).
3. Attempt to hit the required scores and the final double.
4. Repeat this process with different scores.

Example:

Score: 86. Optimal checkout: T20 (60), D13 (26). Practice hitting the Triple 20 followed by the Double 13.

The “Focus Double” Drill

This drill focuses on improving your accuracy on a specific double. Choose one double (e.g., Double 20) and practice hitting it repeatedly. Aim to hit the double 10 times in a row. If you miss, start again from zero.

Mental Strategies for Darts Double Training

Darts is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Your mental state can significantly impact your performance on the doubles. Here are some mental strategies to incorporate into your darts double training:

Visualization

Before throwing each dart, visualize the dart hitting the target double. Imagine the trajectory of the dart, the sound of it hitting the board, and the feeling of success. This can improve your focus and confidence.

Positive Self-Talk

Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of thinking “I’m going to miss,” tell yourself “I can hit this double.” Positive self-talk can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Dealing with Pressure

Learn to manage the pressure of closing out a leg. Take deep breaths to calm your nerves and focus on your routine. Remember that even professional players miss doubles. Don’t let a missed dart derail your focus.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Don’t get discouraged by missed doubles. Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement. Are you gripping the dart too tightly? Is your throwing motion inconsistent? Use your mistakes as learning opportunities.

Choosing the Right Darts Equipment

Having the right equipment can also contribute to your success in darts double training. While skill and practice are paramount, using darts that suit your throwing style can make a noticeable difference. Explore different barrel weights, shaft lengths, and dart flights to find what works best for you.

Dart Weight and Balance

Experiment with different dart weights to find what feels most comfortable and gives you the best control. Heavier darts tend to be more stable, while lighter darts can be easier to throw. The balance of the dart can also affect its flight characteristics. A front-weighted dart may fly differently than a center-weighted or rear-weighted dart.

Shaft Length and Material

The length of the dart shaft can influence the angle at which the dart enters the board. Longer shafts tend to create a flatter trajectory, while shorter shafts create a more angled trajectory. Shafts are typically made of nylon or aluminum. Nylon shafts are more flexible and less prone to breaking, while aluminum shafts are more durable and provide a more consistent flight.

Flights

**Dart flights** play a crucial role in stabilizing the dart during flight. Different shapes and sizes of flights affect the dart’s aerodynamics. Larger flights provide more stability but can also slow the dart down. Smaller flights are less stable but allow the dart to fly faster. Common flight shapes include standard, kite, slim, and pear. Consider checking the dart flights to find the best one.

Tracking Your Progress in Darts Double Training

Keeping track of your progress is essential for staying motivated and identifying areas where you need to focus your darts double training efforts. Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or a Dart Counter App to record your scores and track your performance on the doubles.

Key Metrics to Track

• Double Hit Rate: Calculate the percentage of times you hit the required double.
• Average Darts Per Leg (DPL): Track the average number of darts it takes you to win a leg.
• Checkout Percentage: Calculate the percentage of legs you win.
• Specific Double Performance: Record your hit rate on individual doubles to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

By monitoring these metrics, you can identify patterns and adjust your darts double training accordingly. For example, if you consistently struggle with Double 16, you can dedicate more practice time to that specific double.

Advanced Darts Double Training Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic darts double training routines, you can explore some advanced techniques to further refine your skills. These techniques focus on increasing the difficulty and adding more pressure to your practice sessions.

The “Double In, Double Out” Challenge

This challenge requires you to start and finish each leg on a double. This significantly increases the difficulty and requires precise accuracy on both the opening and closing darts.

The “Handicap” Game

Play against a stronger opponent and give yourself a handicap, such as starting with a lower score or requiring them to hit a specific double before they can start scoring. This will force you to focus on your doubles and play strategically.

Playing Under Pressure Situations

Simulate match-like pressure by having a friend or family member heckle you (in a lighthearted way) while you practice. This can help you learn to focus under pressure and maintain your composure.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Darts Doubles

Darts double training is absolutely essential for taking your game to the next level. By understanding the fundamentals, implementing effective practice routines, mastering mental strategies, and tracking your progress, you can significantly improve your accuracy and consistency on the doubles. Remember to experiment with different equipment to find what suits your throwing style, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with advanced techniques. So grab your darts, dedicate some time to focused practice, and watch your finishing skills soar. Start implementing these strategies today and dominate the oche! Consider using a Dart Counter App to track your progress.