Teaching kids darts with Around the Clock: Fun & Skill!

Want to introduce your kids to darts in a fun and accessible way? **Teaching kids darts with Around the Clock** is a fantastic method to build their accuracy and number recognition. This article will guide you through the process, covering everything from safety to scoring.

Why Around the Clock is Perfect for Teaching Kids Darts

**Around the Clock**, also known as “Round the Board,” is an ideal dart game for beginners, especially children. Its simplicity and focus on hitting specific numbers make it less intimidating than games like 501. This game helps develop essential dart skills like aiming, consistency, and concentration. Furthermore, it’s a great way to reinforce number recognition and basic math skills in a fun and engaging way. It helps build confidence early on, laying the groundwork for more complex dart games later.

The beauty of **Around the Clock** is that it can be easily adapted to suit different skill levels. You can start by focusing on hitting only the single numbers and gradually introduce the doubles and trebles as their accuracy improves. This progressive approach keeps the game challenging yet achievable, fostering a sense of accomplishment. You might want to look at Adapting darts rules for beginners to get more ideas on how to ease kids into the sport.

Setting Up for Success: Safety First!

Before you even think about throwing a dart, ensuring a safe environment is paramount. Darts are pointed objects, and safety precautions are non-negotiable, especially when children are involved.

Essential Safety Guidelines

• Clear the area: Make sure there’s plenty of clear space around the dartboard. Remove any obstacles, such as furniture or toys, that could be tripped over or accidentally hit.
• Establish a throwing line: Clearly mark the throwing line (oche) with tape or a mat. This ensures a consistent throwing distance and prevents players from getting too close to the board. The standard distance is 7 feet 9 1/4 inches, but you may need to adjust this for younger children.
• Supervision is key: Always supervise children when they are playing darts. This will allow you to correct their form, enforce safety rules, and prevent accidents.
• Dartboard placement: Mount the dartboard securely on a wall, ensuring it’s properly fixed and won’t wobble or fall. A backboard is also a good idea to protect the wall from stray darts.
• Dart storage: When not in use, store the darts in a safe place, out of reach of children.

By adhering to these safety guidelines, you can create a fun and secure environment for kids to learn and enjoy the game of darts.

**Teaching Kids Darts With Around the Clock:** Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve established a safe playing environment, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of teaching your kids to play **Around the Clock**.

1. Start with the Basics: The Stance

The stance is the foundation of a good dart throw. Here’s how to teach your child a solid stance:

• Foot Placement: Have them stand with one foot forward, pointing towards the dartboard. Most right-handed players will place their right foot forward, and vice versa for left-handed players.
• Weight Distribution: Encourage them to distribute their weight evenly between both feet for balance.
• Body Alignment: The body should be angled slightly towards the board, creating a comfortable and stable position.

2. The Grip: Finding What Works

There’s no one-size-fits-all grip, but here are some guidelines to get started:

• Light Grip: Emphasize a light grip on the dart. Holding it too tightly can cause tension and affect accuracy.
• Finger Placement: Experiment with different finger placements to find what feels most natural. Most players use three fingers (thumb, index, and middle finger) to hold the dart.
• Consistency: Encourage them to use the same grip every time for consistent results.

3. The Throw: Smooth and Controlled

The throwing motion should be smooth and controlled, originating from the elbow and shoulder:

• Arm Movement: Explain that the arm should move forward in a straight line towards the target.
• Follow-Through: Emphasize the importance of following through with the arm after releasing the dart. This helps maintain accuracy and consistency.
• Eye Contact: Keep their eye on the target throughout the entire throwing motion.

4. Understanding the Rules of Around the Clock

The rules of **Around the Clock** are simple:

• Objective: The goal is to hit each number on the dartboard in sequence, starting with 1 and ending with 20.
• Turns: Each player takes turns throwing three darts per round.
• Scoring: To move on to the next number, a player must hit the current number they are aiming for. If they miss, their turn ends.
• Winning: The first player to hit all the numbers from 1 to 20 wins the game.

You can also play a variation where players must finish on the bullseye after hitting number 20, adding an extra challenge.

Making it Fun and Engaging

Keeping kids interested in darts requires making the learning process fun and engaging. Here are some tips to keep them motivated:

Turn it into a game

Besides playing the traditional **Around the Clock**, you can create variations to make it more exciting. For example, you could introduce a scoring system where hitting a double counts for two numbers, or a treble counts for three. Consider exploring Fun dart game variations with modified rules to spice things up. This encourages them to aim for different sections of the board and adds an element of strategy.

Celebrate Small Victories

Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest improvements. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in boosting their confidence and encouraging them to keep practicing. Even if they don’t hit the target, praise their effort and focus on the positive aspects of their throw.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Young children have shorter attention spans, so keep the practice sessions relatively short. Aim for 15-20 minutes at a time to avoid boredom and fatigue. You can always break it up into multiple sessions throughout the day.

Make it a Family Affair

Involve the whole family in the game. This creates a fun and supportive environment where everyone can learn and improve together. You can even have friendly competitions with handicap rules to even the playing field; you can read about How to make darts fairer with handicap rules to learn more.

Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them

As your child learns to play darts, they will inevitably make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to correct them:

Inconsistent Stance

• Problem: Shifting weight or changing foot position during the throw.
• Solution: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a stable stance throughout the entire throwing motion. Practice standing in the correct position and feeling the balance before throwing.

Gripping the Dart Too Tightly

• Problem: Tension in the arm and hand, leading to inaccurate throws.
• Solution: Remind them to relax their grip and hold the dart lightly. Practice releasing the dart with a gentle motion.

Not Following Through

• Problem: Short, jerky throws that lack accuracy.
• Solution: Emphasize the importance of extending the arm fully towards the target after releasing the dart. Practice the follow-through motion without a dart to develop muscle memory.

Taking Their Eye Off the Target

• Problem: Losing focus and aiming inaccurately.
• Solution: Remind them to keep their eye fixed on the target throughout the entire throwing motion. Practice focusing on a specific point on the board.

Addressing these common mistakes early on will help your child develop good habits and improve their dart-playing skills.

Equipment Considerations: Darts and Dartboards for Kids

Choosing the right equipment can make a big difference in a child’s dart-playing experience. Here are some factors to consider:

Dart Weight

Lighter darts are generally easier for children to throw. Look for darts in the 16-20 gram range. This can help them control the dart better. Remember that even with good supervision accidents can occur, so consider Adapting dart game rules for children to ensure everyone can have fun playing darts.

Dart Material

Brass darts are a good option for beginners as they are durable and affordable. As they progress, you can consider upgrading to tungsten darts, which are denser and allow for a slimmer profile.

Dart Length and Grip

Choose darts with a length and grip that are comfortable for your child’s hand size. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for them.

Dartboards

A standard-size dartboard is suitable for children, but you might consider a smaller board with larger target areas for very young players. Ensure the dartboard is made of sisal fibers for durability and self-healing properties.

Beyond Around the Clock: Expanding Their Darting Horizons

Once your child has mastered **Around the Clock**, you can introduce them to other dart games and challenges to further develop their skills. Basic Darts Fundamentals for Beginners are always essential as they progress.

Cricket

Cricket is a strategic game that involves scoring points by hitting specific numbers on the board. It requires both accuracy and tactical thinking.

501

501 is a popular game where players start with 501 points and must reduce their score to zero by hitting specific numbers. This game requires mental math skills and strategic planning.

Dart Challenges

Create fun challenges, such as trying to hit specific doubles or trebles, or aiming for the bullseye. These challenges can help improve their accuracy and focus.

Team Play

Introduce team play by pairing up with your child or having them compete against other players. This promotes teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.

Conclusion

**Teaching kids darts with Around the Clock** is an excellent way to introduce them to the sport in a fun, safe, and engaging manner. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help them develop essential dart skills, improve their number recognition, and boost their confidence. Remember to prioritize safety, make it fun, and celebrate their progress along the way. So, grab some darts, set up your dartboard, and get ready to embark on a darting adventure with your kids! Ready to get started? Find a local darts supplier today!