Darts sensation Josh Rock faced an unusual challenge during his recent Antwerp performance, attributing his struggles not to nerves or skill, but to a common bathroom item: soap. He revealed that washing his hands just before going on stage stripped his fingers of their natural grip, making it nearly impossible to control his darts. To prevent a repeat, Rock has adopted a proactive solution, now carrying his own chalk and wax to future events.
The Slippery Truth Behind a Shocking Display
Josh Rock, known for his precision and composure, surprised fans with an uncharacteristically shaky performance in Antwerp. Spectators noted his frequent hand-wiping and even a moment where he resorted to licking his fingers during a crucial quarter-final match – highly unusual behavior for a top player. The reason, as Rock later explained, was far from typical.
“I just could not feel it at all,” Rock recounted, describing the immediate impact of the soap. “I went to the toilet just before I went on stage and obviously you wash your hands after going to the toilet, so I put the soap all over my hands and the next minute I’m up there, and I was like, ‘This isn’t going to go well’.”
Understanding the Grip Problem
The issue stemmed from the particular soap used in the venue’s bathroom. Soaps, especially harsh or antibacterial varieties, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and, crucially for a darts player, lacking the subtle tackiness needed for a firm, consistent grip on the dart barrel. Without this natural friction, the dart can feel slippery, leading to inconsistencies in release and accuracy. Rock described it perfectly: “It must be just whatever soap was in the toilet at Antwerp that I used and it just obviously took all the oils out of my finger and lost all grip.”
A Proactive Solution for Future Success
Recognizing the unique and frustrating nature of the problem, Rock quickly devised a contingency plan. “So now we’ve got a plan B, I’ve got a bit of chalk and wax in the case from now on,” he confirmed. This simple yet effective measure allows him to restore his grip to optimal conditions, regardless of the soap provided at venues. He noted its effectiveness, stating, “I didn’t have to use it this week at the Players Championship, it was fine, but it must have been the soap I used.” This proactive approach ensures that such an unexpected environmental factor won’t undermine his performance again.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
