How to Throw a Dart Properly: Grip, Stance, and Release

So, you want to throw a dart like it’s second nature? Good. Because here’s the truth: you already have everything you need to be great at this. Darts isn’t about strength, or some mysterious hidden talent—it’s about consistency, comfort, and trusting yourself.

I remember my first throws—wild, shaky, nowhere near the bullseye. But the moment I stopped overthinking and just let it happen, everything clicked. That’s what we’re going for here. No pressure, no perfection. Just a smooth, repeatable motion that works for you.

Let’s break it down: grip, stance, and release.

1. Grip: Hold It Like You Mean It (But Not Too Hard)

Your grip is your connection to the dart. Too tight, and you’ll tense up. Too loose, and the dart wobbles. The sweet spot? Firm but relaxed.

• Find Your Natural Hold:
Pick up the dart like you’re shaking hands with it. Most players use three fingers (thumb + two fingers), but some use two or four. Experiment. If it feels awkward, it is awkward—try something else.

Example: I started with a death grip, white knuckles and all. Then I saw a guy at the bar throw effortlessly with just his thumb and index finger. Tried it, hated it. Went back to three fingers. Lesson? Your way is the right way.

• Balance Matters: The dart should rest comfortably on your fingertips, not buried in your palm. The center of gravity (usually near the barrel’s middle) should feel stable. If it tilts forward or backward, adjust your fingers slightly.

• Pressure Check
Squeeze: just enough so the dart doesn’t slip when you pull back. Imagine holding a TV remote—you’re not crushing it, but you’re not about to drop it either.

2. Stance: Stand Like You Own the Line

Your stance is your foundation. If you’re off-balance, your throw will be too. But don’t overcomplicate it—this isn’t golf.

• Feet Position:
Most players stand with one foot slightly forward (right foot if you’re right-handed, left if you’re left-handed). Keep about 60% of your weight on your front foot. Not leaning, just anchored.

Pro tip: If your back foot feels light, you’re doing it right. This keeps you steady but lets you follow through smoothly.

• Stay Still, But Not Stiff:
Your upper body should be relaxed. No swaying, no lunging. The movement comes from your elbow and wrist, not your shoulders. Think of your body as a tripod—stable, but not locked in place.
• Eye on the Target:
Your dominant eye should line up with the dart. If you’re right-handed, turn your head slightly to the left (and vice versa for lefties). This helps with aim without forcing your neck into an awkward twist.

3. Release: Let It Fly, Don’t Force It

This is where the magic happens—or where most beginners panic. The release should feel like an afterthought, not a forced action.

• The Pullback:
Bring the dart back smoothly, keeping it in line with your target. Your elbow should stay up—don’t let it drop. The farther back you pull, the more power you’ll generate, but control beats power every time.

Secret move: Some players pull back to their cheek, others to their ear. I pull back just past my eye. Find what feels natural and stick with it.

• The Throw:
This isn’t a baseball pitch. It’s a quick, forward flick of the wrist and fingers. The elbow moves a little, but the wrist does most of the work.

Think of it like this: You’re tossing a crumpled paper into a trash can. You don’t muscle it—you guide it. Same energy.

• Follow Through:
Your hand should finish pointing at the board, fingers extended. If you’re snatching your hand back, you’re disrupting the dart’s flight. A smooth follow-through = a straight throw.

Bonus: The Mental Game

Darts is 50% mechanics, 50% mindset. If you’re stressing about every throw, you’ll tense up. So:

• Breathe. Seriously. A quick inhale before you pull back, exhale as you release.
• Trust your muscle memory. The more you throw, the less you’ll overthink.
• Bad throw? Shake it off. Even pros miss. The next dart is a fresh start.

Final Thought: It’s Supposed to Be Fun

You’re not trying to win the World Championship on day one. You’re learning. And the coolest part? Every throw teaches you something.

So grab your darts, step up to the line, and just throw. No overanalyzing, no pressure. The bullseye isn’t going anywhere.

Now go hit it.