Mastering the doubles is arguably the most crucial aspect of becoming a proficient darts player; consistently hitting these targets separates the amateurs from the pros, turning potentially lengthy legs into swift victories. This article delves into the world of double trouble darts, exploring techniques, strategies, and practice drills to help you conquer this essential skill and improve your overall game.
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The Importance of Doubles in Darts
In darts, the ability to consistently hit doubles is paramount for finishing legs and winning matches. Unlike cricket or other dart games where accumulating points might be the primary focus, standard 501 (or 301) requires you to reduce your score to zero, ending with a double or the bullseye (which counts as double 25). Therefore, struggling with your double trouble darts can be extremely detrimental to your success. Consider that even with high scoring (like consistently hitting triples), a missed double means your turn is over, allowing your opponent to capitalize.

Why are Doubles so Difficult?
Several factors contribute to the difficulty of hitting doubles:
- Pressure: Knowing you need to hit a specific target to win can create significant mental pressure, leading to poor throws.
- Small Target Area: Compared to the larger scoring segments, the double segments are relatively small, requiring greater precision.
- Mental Game: Overthinking your throw or dwelling on past misses can negatively impact your accuracy.
- Technical Issues: Inconsistent grip, stance, or release can all contribute to erratic dart flights and missed doubles.
Strategies for Conquering Double Trouble Darts
Improving your double trouble darts performance requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on technique, mental fortitude, and strategic thinking.
Perfecting Your Technique
Before even thinking about strategy, ensure your basic throwing technique is sound. This includes:
- Stance: Find a comfortable and consistent stance that allows you to maintain balance and alignment with the dartboard.
- Grip: Experiment with different grips to find one that feels natural and provides good control over the dart. Darts barrel kaufen is an important part of this process.
- Throwing Motion: Develop a smooth and repeatable throwing motion, focusing on releasing the dart at the same point each time.
- Follow-Through: Ensure a complete follow-through, pointing your hand towards the target after releasing the dart.

Developing a Double Strategy
Don’t just aimlessly throw at the double. Develop a strategic approach:
- Preferred Doubles: Identify your preferred doubles (e.g., double 20, double 16) and practice them extensively.
- Checkout Routes: Learn standard checkout routes that lead to your preferred doubles. Darts how to count points is crucial for this.
- Alternative Doubles: Be prepared to switch to alternative doubles if your initial attempt leaves you with an awkward number. Consider learning double 3, it could be useful!
- The ‘Misses’: Analyse where your darts land when you miss. Are you consistently missing inside or outside? Adjust your aim accordingly.
The Mental Game of Doubles
The mental aspect of double trouble darts cannot be overstated. Here are some tips for staying calm and focused under pressure:
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Believe in your ability to hit the double.
- Visualization: Before your throw, visualize the dart hitting the target.
- Deep Breathing: Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves before each throw.
- Focus on the Process: Instead of dwelling on the outcome, focus on executing your throwing technique correctly.
- Learn to Forget: Missed darts are inevitable. Learn to let go of them and focus on the next throw.

Practice Drills for Improving Your Double Hitting
Consistent practice is essential for improving your double trouble darts performance. Here are some effective drills:
The ‘Around the Clock’ Drill
Start at double 1 and work your way around the board to double 20, hitting each double three times before moving on. This drill improves your accuracy and consistency on all doubles. This drill is about repetition and focus, try to improve your consistency with each session. This can also highlight your preferred doubles, and those that are your ‘double trouble darts‘.
The ‘Preferred Doubles’ Drill
Focus solely on your preferred doubles. Throw multiple darts at each double, aiming for consistent grouping. Dart accuracy tips can significantly improve your score.
The ‘Checkout Practice’ Drill
Set up various checkout scores (e.g., 40, 32, 16) and practice finishing them using your preferred checkout routes. This drill helps you develop your strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
The ‘Pressure Practice’ Drill
Simulate match conditions by setting targets and penalizing yourself for misses. For example, if you miss the double, deduct a certain number of points from your score. This drill helps you develop your mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure. Consider playing against the Electronic dart score counter (https://dartcounterapp.com/) for automatic scoring.

Equipment Considerations for Double Trouble Darts
While skill is paramount, having the right equipment can also contribute to your success with double trouble darts. Here are some factors to consider:
Darts
Experiment with different dart weights, shapes, and materials to find a set that feels comfortable and suits your throwing style. A well-balanced dart can significantly improve your accuracy.
Dartboard
Ensure you have a high-quality dartboard with clearly defined segments and minimal bounce-outs. A good dartboard will provide a consistent playing surface and enhance your practice sessions.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for clear visibility of the dartboard. Use a dedicated dartboard lighting system or ensure adequate ambient lighting to avoid shadows and glare. Good lighting can enhance the dart players‘ experience.
Oche (Throwing Line)
Maintain a consistent throwing distance by using a clearly marked oche. This will help you develop a consistent stance and throwing motion.
Advanced Techniques for Double Trouble Darts
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore advanced techniques to further enhance your double trouble darts performance:
Grouping
Focus on grouping your darts tightly around the double segment, even if you don’t hit it directly. This increases your chances of hitting the double on your subsequent throws. Try and achieve this with consistent repetition.
Slight Adjustments
Learn to make subtle adjustments to your aim based on your previous throws. If you consistently miss to the left, adjust your aim slightly to the right, and vice versa.

Varying Stance
Experiment with slight variations in your stance to find an angle that feels most comfortable and natural for hitting doubles. This may involve adjusting your foot placement or body alignment.
Mental Imagery
Use mental imagery to visualize yourself hitting the double with perfect accuracy. This can help boost your confidence and improve your focus.
Conclusion: Conquering Your Double Trouble
Mastering double trouble darts is a continuous journey that requires dedication, practice, and a strong mental game. By focusing on improving your technique, developing a strategic approach, and practicing regularly, you can significantly enhance your ability to hit doubles and elevate your overall darts performance. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and positive, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering the doubles and achieving your darts goals. Now, pick up those darts and start practicing!
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.