In the competitive world of darts, unsolicited advice can be a double-edged sword. While well-intentioned, comments from the sidelines, often from those with limited knowledge, can severely damage a player’s confidence and performance. This article reveals why it’s crucial for players to critically evaluate every piece of advice they receive, using common sense and observing top professionals, to avoid falling victim to misinformation that hinders their progress. From misdiagnosing double trouble to imposing arbitrary rules on oche positioning, understanding the real issues and trusting your own judgment is key to unlocking your true potential.
One of the most frustrating challenges in darts coaching is the overwhelming influence of individuals who, despite having little to no genuine expertise, possess very loud opinions. The damage inflicted, both short-term and long-term, upon talented players by these sideline commentators offering their unsolicited “wisdom” is far greater than many might imagine.
Darts is inherently a game deeply affected by confidence. When a player’s self-belief takes a hit, perhaps due to a string of poor performances or personal difficulties, they become particularly vulnerable to suggestions, comments, or even seemingly friendly advice. This input can come from a wide range of sources, from the persistent pub bore to the frustrated amateur, or even self-appointed “oche psychologists.”
Your Responsibility: The Power of Due Diligence
Ultimately, as an adult player, it is your responsibility to apply a dose of common sense and critical thinking to any advice offered. Before taking anything to heart, ask yourself: does this suggestion even make basic sense? Let’s explore a couple of common scenarios where sound judgment is vital.
Case Study 1: The Misdiagnosed “Double Trouble”
We once coached a serious player, competing at an elite level, who was experiencing a temporary dip in results. They were repeatedly told that their problem was simply being “poor at doubles” and that they needed to spend an excessive amount of time relentlessly practicing double top. Over time, this player began to believe this flawed assessment.
A moment of critical thought immediately reveals this advice to be illogical. This player had competed at World Championship level and reached Pro Tour finals. Someone with that pedigree simply cannot be fundamentally “poor” at hitting doubles. Furthermore, the suggested “cure” was equally misguided. Often, the breakdown of a checkout isn’t just about hitting the final double; it’s about the preceding darts, the two- and three-dart combinations, and the ability to leave a comfortable finish.
The actual issue was far more nuanced: This player was a very strong scorer but suffered from quite a few deflections (darts hitting other darts and bouncing off course). These deflections frequently led to unexpected and awkward finishes, which then resulted in them practicing the wrong combinations. Our approach was to minimise these deflections through subtle technique adjustments and to build routines that specifically addressed awkward finishes. The result? This player went on to reach another World Championship and claimed multiple PDC titles.
Case Study 2: The Myth of Oche Positioning
More recently, we encountered a player struggling to find their optimal standing position on the oche. Upon investigation, we discovered they had been told at a very young age that because they were left-handed, they must play from the far left of the oche.
While we can’t fault a child for accepting such guidance, a little bit of common sense and observation would prompt any mentor to investigate how the world’s best left-handed players position themselves. Consider these examples:
- James Wade, arguably one of the greatest left-handers ever, stands firmly side-on, typically in the middle of the oche.
- Alan Glazier, another legendary left-hander, adopted a more front-on stance, often with his right foot in the middle.
- Even right-handed players like Colin Lloyd occasionally moved to the left of the oche.
These examples immediately debunk the idea that a left-handed player “must” stand in a specific, restrictive position. The best position is individual and found through practice, not by adhering to rigid, unverified rules.
Your Game, Your Judgment
So, the next time you hear a piece of “free assistance,” especially when you’re feeling a little downcast about your game, take a moment. Subject these “pearls of wisdom” to the scrutiny of common sense. Observe how top professionals play, not just their technique, but their approach to the game. Remember, your progress in darts relies heavily on sound strategy and self-belief, not on blindly following potentially damaging advice.
Here at AIM180, we have successfully coached PDC event winners and numerous other title winners across all levels and player types, always emphasising individual analysis and tailored solutions over generic advice.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
