Beginners Darts: Top Tips To Hit A Bullseye In No Time

A superb game of skill and accuracy, darts has gained popularity throughout the world in pubs, gaming arcades, and home recreation rooms. While it might appear challenging for a newcomer to grasp the game, fear not – the ideal beginner’s guide is provided below.

Before you begin, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the rules of the game. Typically, in darts, two players take turns throwing three darts each at a dartboard. The goal is to reduce your score to zero from a predetermined starting number, usually set at 501.

Choose a dartboard that aligns with your experience level. For novices, a durable bristle dartboard closely replicates the authentic game experience - an excellent choice for beginners. The placement of the dartboard is crucial. Ensure it's hung so that the centre of the bullseye is 5 feet, 8 inches off the ground.

When searching for good beginning darts, there are many functionality to take into account. When searching for suitable beginner darts, several features influence their performance. Consider the following aspects:

1. Weight: The weight of the dart will affect how hard you have to throw it. Darts weigh anywhere from 12 to 50 grams, with beginner-friendly options weighing around 20-25 grams.
2. Barrel Shape: The barrel is where you grip the dart, which comes in different shapes and textures. Choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hand.
3. Shaft Length: Shaft length will affect the flight path and stability of the dart, with medium-length shafts being the most beginner-friendly.
4. Flight Design: The flight helps to stabilise the dart during its throw. Standard or slim flights are best for beginners.

Keep in mind that it's not about having the priciest or flashiest darts. The darts that make you most comfortable and help you advance your game are the best for you.

The performance of a dart is strongly influenced by its weight. While heavier darts require a more relaxed and controlled toss, lighter darts need more force. Darts weighing 20 to 25 grams are ideal for newcomers as they offer excellent balance, making it easier to regulate the dart's trajectory.

Choosing the right weight also depends on your throwing style. If you have a smooth and straightforward throw, you might find lighter darts more suitable. Meanwhile, if you have a harder, more forceful throw, a slightly heavier dart could work better for you.

Try several darts and weights to see what works best for you and go with the most comfortable weight.

Now that you've chosen your ideal beginner darts, it’s time to refine your technique.

1. Maintain a straight posture and a balanced stance. Make sure your feet are still behind the throw line while you lean slightly forward. The front foot should be your dominant foot.

2. Maintain a solid but relaxed grasp on the dart. Hold the dart with three or four fingers for support, much like how you would hold a pen.

3. Aim and Throw. Focus on the target while making a single, fluid action to aim and throw. Instead of your shoulder, the power should flow from your arm and wrist.

4. Exercise: As with any sport, repetition is the key to success. To practise throwing, set aside some time each day to aim at various parts of the board.

You'll soon be hitting bullseyes if you start with the correct beginner darts, get to know the rules, and practise frequently."

As you explore the realm of darts, you're likely to come across soft tip darts. These darts are the perfect option for electronic dartboards because of their flexible, plastic tips. Due to their safer and more interactive make, these boards are common for home use, especially for families with children.

Despite being typically lighter than their steel counterparts, soft tip darts are available in a variety of weights to suit your preferences. They provide a fantastic way to play the game without running the risk of hurting yourself or damage walls.

Dart flights, the "wings" at the back of your dart, can have a profound impact on the dart's behavior in the air. Flights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Larger flights provide more lift and stability, but they also create more drag. This can make your darts arc more in flight, which is helpful if you lob your darts. Smaller flights do the opposite, causing less arc. For beginners, a standard or pear-shaped flight can provide a good balance of lift and control.

Dart flights, the "wings" on the rear of your dart, can alter how it behaves in the air quite a bit. The size and shape of flights will also vary. You’ll enjoy greater lift and stability when using larger flights, but you’ll also create more drag. When you throw your darts, this can help your darts arc more in flight. Smaller flights have the opposite effect and produce less arc. For newcomers, a classic or pear-shaped flight can offer a decent compromise between lift and control.

Darts with steel tips and bristle dartboards are usually considered the standard. The weight, balance, and feel of steel tip darts can greatly enhance your control and precision when you throw. However, if you miss the board, they can cause some damage so it’s a good idea to consider opting for soft tip darts depending on where you’re playing.

And there you have it, everything you need to know to embark on your darts journey and ensure you get your bullseye with a little practice. Make sure you’re kitted out with the must-haves so you can enjoy performance-boosting gear that makes a difference.