Mastering darts doubles is key to winning games, as it’s often the final shot needed to clinch victory. This article dives deep into the world of doubles, offering strategies, practice techniques, and advice to help you become a more accurate and consistent player. We’ll cover everything from understanding the dartboard layout to mastering your mental game and learning about setting up your dartboard.
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Understanding the Darts Doubles Board
The dartboard can seem like a confusing array of numbers and segments, but understanding its layout is crucial for success in darts doubles. The outer ring of the board, often colored red and green, represents the doubles segment. Hitting a dart in this ring doubles the score of that number. For example, hitting the double 20 (located at the top of the board) scores 40 points.
Knowing the location of each double is paramount. While aiming for the double 20 might seem like the easiest way to finish (highest score), it’s not always the safest. A stray dart could land in the single 20 or even the single 1 or 5, significantly hindering your progress. Consider the surrounding numbers and the potential consequences of missing your target. Strategic thinking is key to improving your game, perhaps even as much as finding a dart set that fits your hand.
Popular Darts Doubles Targets
- Double 20: The highest-scoring double, often targeted for quick finishes but carries a higher risk.
- Double 16: Considered a more forgiving option, especially for players with a tendency to drift towards the 13 and 19 segments.
- Double 18: A good alternative to double 20 if the player is aiming high.
- Double 12: A safer option when a player has a score ending in 2.
- Double 10: Frequently used to set up future throws or when other doubles are strategically blocked.
Strategies for Hitting Darts Doubles
Consistently hitting darts doubles requires more than just knowing where they are. It demands a combination of proper technique, mental focus, and strategic decision-making. Here are some key strategies to implement:
- Develop a Consistent Throwing Technique: A repeatable throwing motion is the foundation of accuracy. Focus on your stance, grip, arm movement, and release point. Practice these fundamentals diligently.
- Master Your Aiming Point: Instead of focusing on the entire double segment, identify a specific aiming point within that segment. This provides a more precise target.
- Visualize the Shot: Before throwing, visualize the dart hitting the desired double. This mental rehearsal can improve focus and confidence.
- Maintain a Steady Head: Keep your head still throughout the throwing motion. Excessive head movement can disrupt your aim.
- Follow Through: Complete your throwing motion fully, extending your arm towards the target. This ensures a smooth and controlled release.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Regular practice sessions dedicated specifically to darts doubles are essential for improvement. Consider using a digital score app, like the one offered at Digital dart score app, to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Effective Darts Doubles Practice Drills
Don’t just throw aimlessly. Structure your practice sessions with specific drills designed to improve your accuracy on darts doubles. Here are a few effective drills:
- The Around the Clock Doubles Drill: Start at double 1 and work your way around the board to double 20, hitting each double consecutively. This tests your accuracy across the entire board.
- The Single-Double-Single Drill: Aim for a single number, then the corresponding double, and then the single number again. This helps develop consistency and transitions between different targets.
- The High-Low Drill: Choose a specific double and alternate between aiming for a point slightly above and slightly below your target. This improves your ability to adjust your aim based on your previous throw.
- The Pressure Drill: Simulate match conditions by setting a specific target number, and you only get three darts to hit it. Each missed throw adds to your overall total which you track.
Mental Game and Darts Doubles
The mental aspect of darts is just as important as the physical skill. Darts doubles often come at crucial moments in a game, and the pressure can be intense. Here are some tips for developing a strong mental game:
- Stay Calm and Focused: When facing a double, take a deep breath and focus on your target. Avoid letting pressure overwhelm you.
- Believe in Yourself: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to hit the double. Self-doubt can sabotage your performance.
- Learn from Mistakes: Don’t dwell on missed doubles. Analyze what went wrong and use it as a learning opportunity.
- Develop a Pre-Throw Routine: A consistent pre-throw routine can help you stay focused and calm under pressure. This could involve a specific stance, grip, or breathing technique.
Remember that consistency is key, so keep your routine the same. This might even mean watching matches on tv to understand the techniques of professionals.
Equipment Considerations for Darts Doubles
While skill and practice are paramount, the right equipment can also contribute to your success with darts doubles. Consider the following:
- Dart Weight and Grip: Experiment with different dart weights and grip styles to find what feels most comfortable and provides the best control. A slightly heavier dart may lend itself to hitting doubles more reliably.
- Dart Flights and Shafts: The size and shape of your dart flights can affect its trajectory and stability. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your throwing style. Shaft length is also important in achieving the ideal angle of attack.
- Dartboard Condition: Ensure your dartboard is in good condition, with clear segments and a properly aligned spider (the wire separating the segments). A worn or damaged dartboard can affect dart placement.
Don’t forget that keeping track of points is an essential part of the game too. There are some great darts scoring sets available to help you do this.
Advanced Techniques for Darts Doubles
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced techniques to further enhance your darts doubles game:
- Double Out Percentage: Calculate your double out percentage (the percentage of times you successfully hit a double to finish a leg). Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Checkout Charts: Familiarize yourself with common checkout charts, which provide suggested paths for finishing games with different scores. Knowing these paths can help you plan your throws strategically.
- Strategic Blocking: In some situations, it may be advantageous to intentionally block certain doubles to prevent your opponent from finishing. This requires strategic thinking and an understanding of your opponent’s tendencies.
Troubleshooting Common Darts Doubles Problems
Even experienced players encounter difficulties with darts doubles from time to time. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions:
- Inconsistent Aim: If your aim is inconsistent, revisit your throwing technique and ensure you’re maintaining a consistent stance, grip, and arm movement.
- Nervousness Under Pressure: If you become nervous under pressure, practice relaxation techniques and visualize successful throws.
- Difficulty with Specific Doubles: If you struggle with specific doubles, dedicate extra practice time to those targets. Analyze your throwing technique and identify any areas for improvement.
Remember to be patient and persistent. Improving your darts doubles game takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Keep practicing, analyzing your performance, and making adjustments as needed. Consider recording yourself to analyze your technique frame by frame and identify areas for improvement. You could even create your own flights.
Conclusion
Mastering darts doubles is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and a strategic mindset. By understanding the dartboard layout, developing a consistent throwing technique, honing your mental game, and utilizing effective practice drills, you can significantly improve your accuracy and consistency on the doubles. Remember to track your progress, analyze your performance, and never stop learning. So, pick up your darts, step up to the oche, and start practicing those darts doubles! Now that you are armed with the knowledge, the best is to start practicing. Good luck!
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.