How to Practice Darts Like a Pro

If you want to get sharper, more consistent, and more confident with every throw, the secret isn't hours of mindless practice. The secret is building a purposeful daily habit. This guide is your blueprint for creating a professional-level practice routine in just 15-30 minutes a day.

The Philosophy: Small, Consistent Steps

Progress in darts comes from focused, consistent repetition, not from marathon sessions once a week. A daily 15-30 minute routine does two things:

1. Builds Muscle Memory: It trains your arm, wrist, and hand to perform the same throwing motion every single time.
2. Creates a Habit: It makes practice an automatic part of your day, like brushing your teeth. This consistency is what separates good players from great players.

1. Warm-Up & Injury Prevention

Your body is your most important piece of equipment. Treat it like a pro.

• Proper Footwear is Your Foundation: It all starts with the shoes. You'll be on your feet for hours, leaning and balancing. Practice in the same shoes you compete in. While PDC dress codes have relaxed, a comfortable, all-black "business sneaker" like the Rockport M7100 Prowalker is a perfect choice, offering all-day comfort and support. Never practice barefoot or in socks; a dropped dart can cause serious injury, and inconsistent footing ruins muscle memory.
• Stretching and Core Strength: Don't just do a few arm circles. True darting consistency comes from a stable platform. A strong core, flexible shoulders, and healthy wrists are critical. Incorporating a dedicated stretching routine using a thick yoga mat like the Gaiam Essentials mat can make a huge difference. Activities like yoga or pilates build core strength for better balance at the oche and help prevent the repetitive strain injuries that plague many players.
• Listen to Your Body: Darts is a low-impact sport, but repetitive strain injuries (like tennis elbow) are common. If you feel sharp pain, stop. Don't try to "throw through it." A day of rest is better than a month of injury.
• Consider a Compression Sleeve: For long practice sessions, a compression arm sleeve can be a game-changer. It helps reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, allowing for more quality repetitions on the board. They are legal in almost all competitive leagues and can significantly aid in your recovery process.
• Mechanics Check: Start by standing a few feet from the board and throwing gently at the 20 segment. Focus on a smooth, consistent release. This isn't about scoring; it's about finding your rhythm.

2. The Drills Library: Your Daily Workout

Here are a few highly effective drills. Pick one or two for your daily session.

Drill 1: Around the Clock (Board Coverage)

This classic drill is perfect for warming up and improving your accuracy across the entire board.

• Goal: Hit the numbers 1 through 20 in sequential order.
• Pro Tip: Once you can do this consistently, switch to Around the Clock - Triples. The goal is the same, but you must hit the triple of each number. This is fantastic practice for Cricket, as it trains you to aim for the high-scoring part of the number.

Drill 2: 121 Checkout (501 Finishing)

This is a pressure cooker drill for improving your 501 finishing.

• Goal: You have 9 darts (three turns) to check out 121.
• Why it Works: 121 is a great number because it requires a triple to leave a two-dart finish (e.g., T20 leaves 61; 11, D25). It simulates the pressure of a real game where you need to perform in a set number of darts.

Drill 3: Bob's 27 (Doubles Masterclass)

This is arguably the best drill for improving your doubles.

• Goal: Start with 27 points. You get three darts at Double 1. For every hit, you add 2 points (1 hit = 29, 2 hits = 31, etc.). If you miss all three, you subtract 2 points (25). Move to Double 2, then Double 3, and so on. If your score reaches zero, you lose.
• Why it Works: It puts immense pressure on every single dart and forces you to hit doubles to stay alive.

3. Practice the Mental Game

• Darts Math: Don't use a calculator during practice. Force yourself to do the subtraction for 501 and the addition for Cricket in your head. When you practice the 121 Checkout, say the score you need out loud: "121, need a T20 to leave 61."
• Pressure Simulation: Use a shot clock app on your phone. Give yourself 30 seconds to complete your turn. This simulates the adrenaline of a real match.

Example 30-Minute Daily Practice Plans

Start Your Journey Today

Becoming a better dart player is a marathon, not a sprint. The journey starts with a single step: committing to a short, focused practice session every day. Grab your darts, pick a drill, and start building the habit that will transform your game.