Consistently hitting your doubles is the key to closing legs in darts, making practice doubles darts a crucial part of any player’s training routine. This article will guide you through effective drills, mindset strategies, and equipment choices to significantly improve your doubling accuracy. We’ll cover everything from target selection to tracking your progress and adapting your technique for different doubles.
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Why is Practice Doubles Darts so Important?
Many darts players find that their scoring is good but their ability to finish legs is what lets them down. Finishing doubles is the ultimate test of nerve and precision in darts. You can score 140 or 180 with ease, but if you can’t reliably hit your double, you’ll struggle to win games. Practice doubles darts allows you to build the muscle memory, confidence, and mental fortitude required to consistently close out legs under pressure. Don’t underestimate the importance of repeated and focused doubles practice!
The Mental Game of Doubles
Before you even pick up your darts, it’s important to address the mental aspect of doubles play. Fear of failure can lead to tension, affecting your throw and accuracy. Visualize yourself hitting the double successfully. Develop a pre-shot routine that helps you focus and block out distractions. Remember, every missed double is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your technique if needed, and move on to the next dart. Consider using a Practice darts app with scoring to help keep track of your progress.
Effective Doubles Practice Darts Drills
Here are several drills you can incorporate into your doubles practice darts routine to improve your accuracy and consistency:
- Around the Clock (Doubles Only): Start at double 1 and work your way around the board to double 20, then the bullseye (considered double 25). Aim for three darts at each double. If you miss all three, move on to the next. Track your progress each time you play this drill.
- The Killer Drill (Doubles Focus): This game can be played alone or with a group. Choose a double as your ‘double to hit’. To become the killer you have to hit your double to hit, everyone else must as well or be out.
- The Shanghai Drill: Aim for the single, double, and treble of a chosen number (e.g., 20). This improves overall accuracy, which will translate to better doubles play.
Consistency is key, so try to dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to these drills. You might want to consider the darts stand diy to give you the ability to move your board around. As your skill improves, these darts practice drills will yield better results.
Varying Your Target Doubles
While double 20 is the most common finishing double, it’s crucial to be proficient at hitting other doubles as well. Practicing different doubles will make you a more versatile and dangerous player. Alternate between high, mid, and low-numbered doubles during your practice sessions. This will help you develop a feel for the entire board and improve your ability to adapt to different finishing scenarios. Don’t forget to practice the double bull (double 25) too, as it’s a valuable finishing option.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Practice Doubles Darts
The right equipment can make a significant difference in your doubles accuracy. Here’s what to consider:
- Darts: Experiment with different weights, shapes, and grip styles to find darts that feel comfortable and natural in your hand. A consistent release is crucial for hitting doubles.
- Dartboard: Use a high-quality dartboard with thin wires to minimize bounce-outs. Rotate your board regularly to evenly distribute wear.
- Oche (Throw Line): Ensure the oche is the correct distance from the board (7 feet 9.25 inches). A consistent stance and throw from the oche are essential for accuracy.
Finding the right dart setup is a personal journey, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. You may even consider upgrading your darts set black.
Grip and Stance for Doubles
A consistent grip and stance are fundamental to accurate dart throwing, especially when targeting doubles. Find a grip that feels secure and allows for a smooth release. Avoid gripping the dart too tightly, as this can cause tension and affect your accuracy. Your stance should be comfortable and balanced, allowing you to maintain a stable base throughout your throw. Experiment with different stances until you find one that feels natural and allows you to consistently hit your target.
Troubleshooting Common Doubles Practice Darts Problems
Even with consistent practice, you may encounter difficulties with your doubles game. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
- Inconsistent Release: Focus on maintaining a smooth and controlled release. Practice your follow-through to ensure you’re not snatching the dart back.
- Aiming Issues: Double-check your alignment and make sure you’re focusing on the target. Use visual cues (e.g., a specific spot on the double) to help you aim accurately.
- Mental Blocks: If you’re struggling with a particular double, take a break and come back to it later. Visualize yourself hitting the double successfully and focus on positive self-talk.
Addressing these issues requires patience and self-awareness. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; instead, view them as opportunities to learn and improve. Consider if a red dragon darts point change is needed.
Tracking Your Doubles Practice Progress
Tracking your progress is essential for identifying areas of improvement and staying motivated. Keep a record of your doubles practice sessions, noting your scores, accuracy percentages, and any challenges you encountered. This data will help you track your progress over time and identify patterns in your performance. There are many apps that will let you track everything including where your darts land on the board.
Advanced Techniques for Practice Doubles Darts
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can explore advanced techniques to further enhance your doubles game:
- Reading the Lie: Learn to analyze the position of your darts in the board and adjust your aim accordingly. This is especially important when setting up doubles.
- Calculating Outs: Develop your ability to quickly calculate different finishing combinations. This will give you more options and increase your chances of closing out legs.
- Pressure Practice: Simulate game scenarios to prepare yourself for the pressure of competition. This could involve playing against a stronger opponent or setting specific challenges for yourself.
These techniques require dedication and experience, but they can significantly elevate your doubles game and make you a more formidable opponent.
The Importance of Match Play
While dedicated doubles practice is crucial, nothing can replace the experience of playing in actual matches. Match play exposes you to the pressure, distractions, and unpredictable scenarios that you won’t encounter in practice. It’s an opportunity to test your skills, refine your strategies, and learn from your mistakes. Seek out opportunities to play in leagues, tournaments, or casual games to gain valuable match experience. Even a darts board velcro can help you practice more often.
Conclusion: Mastering Doubles in Darts
Improving your doubles accuracy is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and the right approach. By incorporating effective drills, focusing on the mental game, choosing the right equipment, and tracking your progress, you can significantly enhance your ability to close out legs and win more games. Remember, consistency is key, so make practice doubles darts a regular part of your training routine. With persistent effort, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your doubles game and your overall performance as a darts player. Now, pick up those darts and start practicing! Consider downloading a practice darts app with scoring to track progress.
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.