The Voice of the Game: A Beginner's Guide to Darts Commentary

You've seen it. A player, needing 121, smashes in the T20. The commentator erupts: "He's left the 61! He needs a 25 or a single 11 to leave the bullseye!" The player hits the 11. The tension ratchets. "He's done it! One dart at the bull for the match!"

That voice, the one that transforms a simple throw into a high-stakes drama, is the heartbeat of professional darts. This guide is for those who have watched a match and felt that spark of inspiration. It's an educational introduction to the world of sports broadcasting, designed to give you a roadmap for getting behind the mic yourself.

The Art of Darts Commentary: Play-by-Play vs. Color

In professional sports broadcasting, there are typically two roles: the play-by-play commentator and the color commentator.

The play-by-play voice is the narrator. They describe the action as it happens—what number was hit, what the score is, what the player needs next. They are the foundation of the broadcast.

The color commentator provides the "color"—the context, analysis, and stories that bring the action to life. They are often former players or experts who can explain the why behind the what. In darts, the best broadcasters often blur these lines, but understanding the two core functions is key. A great broadcast needs both the "what" and the "why."

Understanding Commentary Archetypes in Broadcasting

To develop a unique voice, it's important to study the masters—not just in darts, but across all sports. Most successful commentators embody one or more common archetypes. These are not boxes to fit into, but rather foundational styles that help create an emotional and informative broadcast. Here are some of the most common archetypes in sports broadcasting and why they are so important.

The Analyst

The Analyst is the "Professor" of the broadcast, living for strategy, percentages, and the mental game. They don't just see a dart hit the board; they see the strategic implication for the next three turns. In darts, a great example is three-time World Champion John Part, whose encyclopedic knowledge of checkout combinations and player psychology provides unparalleled insight. In basketball, Jeff Van Gundy is known for his deep tactical breakdowns. This style is built on expertise and a love for the intricate details of the game.

The Entertainer

The Entertainer is pure passion, channeling the energy of the crowd to make every moment feel electric. They live and die with every throw, turning a sporting event into a spectacle. Darts' own Wayne "Hawaii 501" Mardle is the epitome of this style, bringing an infectious excitement to every broadcast. In American football, Tony Romo's predictive and enthusiastic analysis has made him a fan favorite. If you are a natural showman who feels the emotion of the sport in your bones, this is a powerful style to learn from.

The Storyteller

The Storyteller weaves a rich narrative tapestry throughout the broadcast. They connect the audience to the human element of the sport, making them care about the people, not just the points. The late, great Vin Scully, voice of the Dodgers, was a master of this, able to share a historical anecdote or a personal story that created a deep connection with listeners. A darts storyteller might talk about a player's journey through Q-School, a past rivalry, or the history of the tournament.

The Intellectual Provocateur

This archetype, famously embodied by Howard Cosell, brings a journalistic and critical eye to the broadcast. They are not afraid to question a player's decisions, highlight a mental collapse, or analyze the broader state of the sport with brutal honesty. This is a high-risk, high-reward style that demands intelligence, courage, and an unshakable belief in your own perspective. It's a style that adds gravitas and forces the audience to think more deeply about the game.

Getting Started: General Broadcasting Skills

Every aspiring commentator needs to master the fundamentals of media production. These skills are universal and essential for creating a professional broadcast, whether it's for a local league or a global audience.

Practice Your Delivery: Use the "Mute Method." Find a match on YouTube, mute it, and record your own commentary on your phone. Listen back. Are you speaking clearly? Are you repeating words? Are you conveying excitement? This is your training ground.
Learn to Record and Edit: Familiarize yourself with audio recording and editing. Use free software like Audacity to record your voice. Practice cutting, pacing, and mixing audio. This will teach you the rhythm of a good broadcast.
Get Comfortable on Camera: Even if you're only doing voice-over, being comfortable on camera is a valuable skill. Record yourself discussing a recent match. This helps you work on your presence, body language, and connecting with a virtual audience.

Getting Started: Darts-Specific Knowledge

Once you have a handle on the basics of broadcasting, you need to build your darts-specific expertise. This is what will set you apart and give your commentary credibility.

Do Your Homework: Know the players, their stories, their strengths, and their favorite doubles. The more you know, the more depth you can bring to your commentary.
Master the Math: Practice your outs. Know the common three-dart finishes from 170 down. Be able to subtract in your head, instantly. For a primer, review our 501 Strategy Guide.
Develop Your "Spotting" Skill: This is crucial. Watch a pro throw three darts and try to call out the total score before the graphic appears on screen. It's harder than it looks and is a fundamental skill for play-by-play.
Play and Watch the Game: There is no substitute for experience. Playing in a local league will give you an intimate understanding of the pressure, strategy, and decision-making involved. Watching matches analytically will sharpen your eye for the game's nuances.

Embracing Modern Media: YouTube, Podcasts, and Short-Form Content

The path to the commentary booth has changed. Today, the world's number one streaming platform, YouTube, along with podcasts and short-form video, offers an unprecedented opportunity to build an audience and hone your craft.

The Power of YouTube and Podcasts: Long-form content, like a weekly YouTube show or podcast, allows you to do deep dives into match analysis, player interviews, or strategic discussions. This is where you build a dedicated community and establish yourself as an expert.
The Reach of Short-Form Video: Do not underestimate the power of short-form video. Platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are reportedly generating over a billion streams per day. Creating compelling, sub-30-second clips—a quick breakdown of a checkout, a highlight with your commentary, or a hot take on a recent match—is essential for reaching a massive, diverse audience.
A Dual-Pronged Strategy: A modern media brand should have both. Use short-form video to attract new followers and drive them to your long-form content, where you can build a deeper connection.

The Three Paths to the Commentary Booth

There is no single way to become a commentator. Here are three common paths you can take.

Path 1: The Traditional Route

This is the classic approach. It involves formal training and getting a foot in the door of the broadcasting industry.

Get a Degree: Many of the best broadcasters have degrees in journalism, communications, or broadcasting.
Find an Internship: Seek out internships at local TV or radio stations, college sports networks, or even major networks.

Path 2: The Creator Route

In the modern era, you don't need to wait for permission to have a broadcast. You can create your own.

Build Your Own Brand: Start a Twitch channel or YouTube series dedicated to darts.
A Crucial Note on Copyright: You cannot simply restream a professional sports broadcast. It is copyright infringement. To create content legally, seek permission from smaller organizations, focus on "transformative" content (like detailed analysis using short clips), or commentate on matches you have the rights to.

Path 3: The Player Route

If you are already an active dart player, you have a massive advantage: expertise.

Volunteer for Your League: Offer to provide commentary for a livestream of your local league finals.
Network at Tournaments: Talk to tournament organizers and offer to help with their streaming efforts.

A Case Study: The Long Island Open Commentators

At the Long Island Open's Mast Memorial tournament, local dart players Andrew Van Koeverden (AVK) and Kyle Watson were given a chance to step into the commentary booth. Their commentary, available on the AVKAllDay YouTube channel, provides a fantastic example of how player insight can elevate a broadcast. They excelled at discussing crucial checkout choices and brought infectious entertainment during big scores. This case study highlights the "Player Route" to commentary, demonstrating that deep game knowledge combined with natural enthusiasm can create a compelling and informative viewing experience.

The American Opportunity

As darts continues to explode in the United States, the demand for authentic, knowledgeable American voices will grow with it. The next great American darts commentator won't be discovered by a TV executive; they'll be found on a Twitch stream, a YouTube channel, or calling a local league final on a Facebook Live video.

The path is there. It requires dedication, a love for the game, and the courage to hit that "Go Live" button. So do your homework, find your voice, and start telling the story of the game you love. The next voice of American darts could be yours.