A Live Darts Masterclass | Lesson 2 - How to grip your darts

[@robkunkel8833]

What I want to say overall … from an almost ambidextrous old man on Day 4 of shooting left handed ... this game is addictive. I pass the dartboard everyday in work and I’m almost drawn like a magnet to the board. Just one more shot … just one more shot. A nice sport that you can play with almost anybody. And it is so uncomplicated, and, unlike bowling or golf, no cost except the equipment.

[@jamieshannon9809]

There is a correct way to hold it especially when you are ready to throw - make sure the point is toward the board.

[@dillons1193]

No

[@rubeng3]

Ffs. Knew Ive been doing it wrong all this time

[@BoJangles3105]

Not necessarily

[@ycymrobach9012]

🎯😂

[@peterteacher3681]

I aim for my brother

[@kingshearer2]

The new Sid Waddell - his commentary is class!

[@Edgartvdarts]

I agree with slight changes happening natural my grip changed at least 5 times already

[@blademaster9297]

Me also

[@woodcock696969]

I’ve had to totally change how I hold my dart after 20 years due to hand arm vibration syndrome. If I could get it down properly I think I would cry haha

[@herschelsquirts2338]

My grip changed at least 5 times today!! 🥴

[@fourcandles9413]

Especially as you age huh ?

[@TheAlmightyShroom]

The mention of grip pressure is so key. I used to grip my dart very firmly because my release timing wasn't always right, releasing too early so the dart didn't reach the board at all. After watching this some time ago, I really worked on holding it the same way but with less pressure and honestly, the release naturally gets better because of it. Upped my average fairly consistently by 5-10 points working on that. Just wish i learned this 10 years ago when I first started properly playing!

[@berlin1805]

The advice Paul gives here is gold, especially for those who have changed grip before and probably will again. I started with three fingers (all on the barrel), spent two years throwing like that and threw horribly, then for over 25 years I threw with an extreme front grip (two fingers on the barrel, two on the point). Finally about a half a year ago I did what Paul suggested and started having my darts in my hand when watching the pros, trying to copy everything I saw. I imitated everyone's grip (using KZbin videos of tournaments and pics of players' grips I found in Google Images), saw that some worked fairly well for me (one from Kevin Painter, one from Paul, one from Peter Wright) and some really didn't (Adrian Lewis's and those of every other rear gripper) and suddenly one just clicked perfectly: Corey Cadby's. Now I've never been anything but mediocre on my best day and I can't say I had a drastic upshot in average, but my grouping had improved and everything just feels better - especially important for a 56 year-old with arthritis. What I'm doing now actually feels more natural than my very first grip. So again, great advice here.

[@midnightrcclub9046]

I am a beginner I have been gripping the darts way to hard . After watching this I tried it the way he says, it helped .

[@MrKinghuman]

covid 19 got me trying to perfect my dart game. almost threw a perfect nine today

[@mike072_7]

19 likes👻

[@mike072_7]

Almost covid 20

[@gigaware4533]

Haha same here! Never played once before COVID I pulled a triple bullseye almost robin hooded that shit

[@johnnymickfly1093]

1v1 me

[@trippin7577]

Almost 9? So you did 8 pins?

[@gbsinatra]

Spot on. I've been practicing like a maniac! Even my young daughters are learning to throw accurately and correctly.

[@scottconnor8867]

I just hope they aren’t throwing correctly at each other! As that is what me and my siblings done when we were kids. The rule was not throwing at the head. 😱😂

[@jamesdoyle3885]

I had a thumb and 2 fingers on the barrel and one on the point at times it worked but I found I was wanting to spin the dart too much. I have now taken 1 finger of now only thumb and 1 on the point and it did feel weird for a while but the consistency and smoothness is really there now. I'm really liking my new grip, it just takes away much of the what can go wrong scenario

[@MotoCzar]

“Just hold it how it feels comfortable.” That there’s a pro tip.

[@ThatPianoNoob]

Sounds reasonable but really not that helpful.. from what I gather the consensus on dart is, try to move as little of your body as necessary while throwing and otherwise do whatever.

[@BibleStorm]

I think the idea is you watch more than one lesson and do some practice too, rather than expect triple 20's after a 5 minute chat.

[@BoJangles3105]

You said it MotoCzar, Hold on it, never grip, the idea is to get the dart to grip you. Fact!

[@tomempisse7394]

@@BibleStorm r/woosh

[@BibleStorm]

I know it was a joke.

[@tombissett8061]

Paul: “there is no right or wrong way to hold or throw the dart it’s all individual” Phil: “so what’s the perfect way to hold the dart” 😂 still a great video

[@mattwallace8731]

This video is good for the people that are new at darts

[@ColdWarVet607]

Fantastic! Watched one previous to this and there was nothing about holding. Thanks for the options and I'll see what works for me. Great Stuff!

[@robkunkel8833]

Other than “whatever feels comfortable”, none of my random collection introductory videos address the angle of the point of release. I would think it is crucial … like comparing a mortar shell being fired from a land base at a certain angle to land in a certain spot. What say?

[@FzsHotDogInDonut]

Ok I just tried my first dirt , [video on pause] I couldn't even throw. Now I can throw. And it sticks to desired board at least. No stress, hold it light, let it go. Gotcha. IT worked.

[@jonathanbreedlove4286]

Somebody should bake you a cookie.

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

the dart will naturally sit in your grip the way it needs to be to release it correctly .when I 1st started playing in my late teens I used to grip my old brass darts like bristow & consistently hit tonnes 140s but very few 180s. but as I got older & practised daily & started using thinner tungsten darts my grip just automatically changed to involve more fingers . I throw very fast & fluent with a very loose grip. when my grip changed I threw a lot more consistent & the 180s came on a daily basis.so a good throwing action is key (just as in snooker a good cue action ) hope it helps.

[@markstanley4652]

I've changed my grip 4 times. Had dartitis 3 times and had to change how I held my darts. But if you can find your own style then stick with it if you can.

[@avery_nicegirl9]

Same here. And I am still struggling with dartitis. What do you do actually to get rid of dartitis?

[@markstanley4652]

@@avery_nicegirl9 I did alot of things. Stand arms length away from the board and just move the dart slowly like you are throwing it until the tip of the dart is in the board but dont let go of the dart. Do this for about 5 mins and move one step back and repeat for 5 mins, do this till you are at the oche. Dont let go of the dart. Stand at the oche with your feet together facing the board straight on and throw the darts at the board the same way you would throw a ball, dont aim at any particular number just hit the board. Do this for about 30 mins. Go online and read anything you can on the subject.

[@AdamsTubing]

dartitis imho is self doubt along with over emphasis of outcome. then you start changing things searching for what “works” based again upon “outcome” of that last dart. a merciless cycle. try this. stop trying to control the dart. stop trying to time the release. dont worry about the dart. just pick it up and throw it in that big circle made by all the triples. feel the weight of the dart on the outside of the arc. keep doing it. do not aim. take your dart in thoughtless grab and raise it out at the board and with gentle momentum send it again and again at the circle. feel what your fingertips feel like. feel for the weight of the dart IN the momentum. now the most important thing for me anyway... is to keep score every round. try avoiding tension and be less concerned about HOW you are throwing the dart and more concerned with you averages improving. if you feel your intellectual mind trying to take over and steer/control, step off. rhythm and feel and enjoying the process of improving averages. also its amazing how much faster you get better when your math improves! when you start gaining confidence back do not throw unless youve done the math and know what your target is. never just throw to to try and find a better throw. thats how you get dartitis. apologies for long reply

[@brianalexander7360]

I can't listen to Paul in commentary, but i like his videos, easy to listen to..

[@apove1814]

I appreciate these vids!!

[@chriselsby4075]

One tip that I would add, especially for beginners, is to try to find a grip that is comfortable and where you are able to get more leverage.IE power in your throw, with the least amount of effort. This also encourages you to throw with a better follow through without forcing anything. Overall this improves accuracy as your whole throw feels more natural then you can concentrate on what you are aiming at instead of the throw itself. Generally though simply loosening your grip is great advice.

[@teejay6063]

Thanks. I was wondering if a tight grip or loose grip is better. Loose it is.

[@psgaming4eva976]

The guy seems to be asking questions which Paul Nicholson has already answered. Anyway, I'm intrigued to try out some different grips especially holding a part of the tip. The rare occasions I've played I've used 3 fingers and basically around the centre of the barrel. Will adjust it to bottom and top of barrel to see what works or doesn't work for me.

[@picks4tipsss76]

you are a genius...holding it in the middle and not the metal piece is wear its at

[@kmaddap]

Basically shoot whatever it doesn’t madder just hit what your aiming for practice a lot.. I hold it right at the end of the barrel, and can play pretty solid but there is so much variation it’s rough

[@buddha1736]

I have now gone from a 60 average to a 65 lol 😂 cheers Paul. 😉👍🏻

[@samuelljayy6705]

Alan Watts improvement is a plus

[@connorgaughan9117]

What are you measuring here? Average points when trying to get 180?

[@fourcandles9413]

@@connorgaughan9117 501÷by darts thrown x 3

[@moulletsmayhem2334]

Thanks for the tips

[@lytningstrykes]

Let me summarize what I just learned: Hold it any way you want, with as many fingers as you want, as tightly as you want, and throw it as hard as you want, and that will be just perfect. Hey... thanks.

[@alanmarriott9216]

What type of barrel is best with the pencil grip please??

[@kingkitchener]

Watching darts I have had to admit that I didn't like Paul Nicholson, but he seems quite genuine!

[@Altoseb]

Yes, it was only a matter of time before we saw the real person underneath the act.

[@bellatarantula0206]

Love your videos! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@cameronhancock8606]

So I hold it in my hand..... then throw it towards the board? Getting better already

[@stoneyj1a1]

How much do these guys need to practice to get good?

[@fourcandles9413]

30-40 hours a week minimum

[@retired8123]

My ? is about the direction of my palm when i hold the dart. On follow through it looks like the hand points at the target palm facing down. Should my palm face forward like a free throw in basketball or face more to the side and then pronate to the palm down position?

[@kevmccormick1767]

I started off trying to throw like what would be advisable over time it's changed to a unsual grip and throw I grip lightly with thumb index and middle finger high on the barrel and as I cock back the point touches my palm I throw with no powers let the dart glide through the air my consistency has improved less flyers better grouping and I play a lot faster now at first I was a aimer now I'm just a pure rhythm player I have been playing darts about 2 years

[@jenhart1779]

Very informative!! Thank you.👌👍

[@binyard1972]

Yea great advice now im exactly the same

[@kvajeblostari]

Nice tips, thx

[@MARKLINMAN1]

What’s a good set of darts to buy for say 150.00 USD? Thank you.

[@bonnyjravo7014]

SAXMANIVAN I highly recommend you to go to your local dart shop. You could get a feel for a comfortable grip and test multiple darts. Buying expensive darts online is a gamble because you wouldn’t be able to get a feel for the dart. 150 USD is more than enough for a great set. Good luck dart shopping :)

[@richardlawton1023]

I'm 68 years old and had my shoulder replaced a few years ago. What exercises can I do to strengthen my arm and get it back to an effective and accurate throwing arm? Thanks

[@fourcandles9413]

Try throwing with a full on frontal stance for the 1st half of your practice the go back to your normal stance,that way you build up different muscles in your arm and shoulder,after rotator cuff surgery that's what I did,took me a year to get my form back,but it works.

[@kidoskids2019]

sir how many grams best using dart pin thank you

[@yodi101010]

Here's a question. I threw darts for around 15 years. I was always a steady thrower. A few months ago, I started throwing again after a 15-year break. I always threw a straight, solid dart. Now, my darts don't land straight. When they are sticking in the board, the flights are way off to the left. They are almost parallel to the floor. I have tried different flights and different darts and it's the same thing 80-90% of the time. I know that I was out of it for many years, but I didn't think it was possible to throw as bad as I'm throwing. Any suggestions??

[@vince7207]

Focus on keeping your hand straight on your follow-through... Essentially you want to try and "pinch" the T20 with your fingers.

[@fourcandles9413]

Have you tried shorter shafts ?

[@miragexl007]

LOL. There's no wrong or right way for anything with throwing darts?. Just be consistent. What's looking for more specific tips.. But kind of figured it'd go this way. Kind of fun to watch still

[@jeffnarum1373]

I heard some sage from an old guy on the golf course break it down for me. He said, "Try to play better." I still can't figure out if it was an insult.

[@tago69mago]

My right shoulder starts playing up usually after 20 minutes. I'm right handed but it only happens when I play darts which is a bit of a bummer. Any ideas, tips, theories.

[@fourcandles9413]

Change how you stand that's what I did

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Lesson 2 - How to grip your darts. Answer in video: Any way you want.

[@slenjamiah]

Great video lads, thankyou

[@eldredgodson9639]

I came here after observing Fallon Sherrock's (to my mind) weird ass grip ...not mentioned in this vid...check it out...seems pretty clever...

[@lyingcat9022]

“Hold it however the F you want...” Got it. ;)

[@themire8291]

What are peoples thoughts in spinning the dart clockwise (spinning off of the finger for righties) vs. Spinning the dart counter clockwise (spinning off of the thumb for righties). I know it's mainly what's comfortable but I feel like many of the pros that spin off of the thumb are much more consistent/top tier. Thoughts ???

[@ItsBriiiiii]

I spin counter clockwise. I've only been playing a year or so and when I first started, I naturally threw with a clockwise rotation if at all. Then watching slow mo of most pdc pros, they mostly pushed the dart, and spun counter clockwise. Now I've only been playing one year and maybe the past 5-6 months I've really worked in these techniques and my average went from 30's to low 50's

[@themire8291]

@@ItsBriiiiii thanks for the feedback man much appreciated. I have been throwing for a few years now and I have always spun clockwise. I recently started trying counter clockwise and I can still throw very well and it feels comfortable. I am just not consistent enough with it yet.. mvg throws with no rotation at all and blows my mind lol I shoot more electronic than steel tip lately and I have been averaging over the season around 32 ppd and around a 3.3 for cricket I know I can get to a much higher level once I really get my throw dialed one way

[@ItsBriiiiii]

@@themire8291 yeah, i have learned there is no right way and wrong way. mvg spins his darts from counter clockwise to clockwise, or like you said nothing. Then other players swear by playing one way and not deviating. Chizzy has multiple things going on, every throw is an adventure. Just for kicks I have been trying to work on that side of playing, ex: gripping down a bit on treble 20 first dart, to leave the stem high and room. Then,gripping the next neutral and so on..getting that type of stuff engrained into muscle memory

[@themire8291]

@@ItsBriiiiii absolutely man I agree. Chizzy definitely does a lot of deviating lol he grips different for certain doubles and stuff too which is crazy. Not a bad thing to practice different slight changes per dart, whatever works like you said, no right or wrong way really

[@chrisvandergriff]

To spin or not to spin, while releasing?

[@ItsBriiiiii]

Yes

[@davidkohler6827]

Good question. I've known a lot of people that do and I think I do too

[@blademaster9297]

It dosent matter really. However your darts fly now (spin or no spin) is how you should keep it.

[@thomasoconnor9629]

Instructions unclear, threw a dart at my nans head

[@jonathanbreedlove4286]

Did you bullseye nan?

[@thomasoconnor9629]

Jonathan Breedlove similar to a bullseye, except I like to call it a ‘nanseye’

[@samowers7802]

I bend my thumb use 4 fingers and mostly a middle gripper I think the way I hold a dart is unusual to say the least lol

[@tbaby5650]

Does the tip face towards the dartboard are does the flight face the dartboard?? Also what's the best grip to use ? So much to learn

[@-_Blitz_-]

Does anyone know why my wrist is killing me after a few hours?

[@masomaf]

Anyone has a tip for me regarding how the dart lands at an angle.. mines tend to hang a bit or go straight. I like that the darts goes more of an angle that the flight is higher than the barrel when it lands

[@fourcandles9413]

Mine used to angle down,cured it by going to shorter shafts so the stopped tailing downwards

[@EddieJarnowski]

The master class tells us to hold it however the hell you want lol

[@GCH1993]

Anderson hit 140 with his first ever 3 darts that's insane

[@GCH1993]

@@MSV19801 because your so much better than Anderson. Lmao gtfo just another random

[@slenjamiah]

MaratSafinVideos yeah it is completely ridiculous that people actually believe it, the even funnier thing is that Anderson said 140 180 140 were his first nine darts hahaha

[@slenjamiah]

MaratSafinVideos yeah he is one of the greatest players ever, but there’s no way he hit 140 180 140 first 9 darts lmao

[@blademaster9297]

@@slenjamiah why?

[@medinabello19]

@@slenjamiah he did. He's a natural.

[@RESPONDI433]

Loving darts multiplayer !

[@teejay6063]

But I write right handed and play darts left handed. I can't use the pen move.

[@leoweng7030]

The only reason why I'm watching these is that I have a dartboard in my basement and when my cousin comes to my house, we play a ton of darts but note, I don't play darts at all. I play basketball but I like darts. Well anyways, when my cousin comes to my house I just try to beat him by like getting more points when we play so yeah. That's the only reason why I play darts. But darts is a fun sport and yeah.

[@WeThePeople018]

Basically, do whatever you want, there's no right or wrong

[@fourcandles9413]

Spot On 🤘

[@MyMourningCoffee]

I didn’t know James Corden was doing dart interviews

[@666wilf]

I hold it that far back my finger and thumb is on the stem.

[@zazazaaazzzaaz]

Problem is that i’m using my pan with a left and dart with right hand..

[@GL_Tiago]

Youre saying just hold it if you think its comfortable. Me: throwing my darts, and miss and think after 30 days: fuck, what is comfortable!?

[@alasdairbachmtb273]

I have gone from wall to door to the board

[@ifeelfantaastic2425]

I just realized I’ve been gripping pens wrong my whole life.

[@METAK188]

always hold your darts in your hand :)

[@fourcandles9413]

That's where I was going wrong damn 🤘🤣

[@eugenemurray2940]

When practising Throw more than just three Consistency will thereby occur

[@kobesmind5821]

1:20

[@Ruffbone85]

I'm pretty good at throwing them like a knife

[@paulmorris6177]

I laughed my ass off..it sounded like a darts weather forecast. "It may rain tomorrow, but then again, it may not. It really depends upon where you live. It may rain at your house, but then again it may not. In any event, I'd really take an umbrella with you just in case."

[@JayPatel-vq5jq]

I hold my dart at the back. Works for me. Lol

[@oioi_skank875]

Paul needs to get a grip the flap

[@ThePowerIsInYourHead]

This guy looks like Gino D'acampo 🙂

[@ryanmcl9578]

I must be the wort darts player ever no matter what way I throw it it's just terrible, I tried following these lessons and it didn't help at all, when I hold it like a pen I can't even throw it in the dart board just a lot of bounce outs, I think darts just wasn't the game for me

[@d.srfc5547]

I don't hold mine the way I hold a pen just find what's comfortable hope your still throwimg

[@TheMarathonomahos]

Taylor has a basic pen grip

[@sebcristofflugatiman9352]

Entire barbel for me to good for me.

[@eugenemurray2940]

Ya didn't mention 'The Crafty Cockney'

[@AngelVargas5-12]

Important tip : Be sober if you wanna aim straight

[@oogabooga2337]

O shit yh

[@oogabooga2337]

Everytime i was playing i was on meth🤦‍♂️

[@fourcandles9413]

Actually not true,I play crap 100 percent sober,I play lights out after 4 or 5 adult beverages on league nights

[@matthewbaxter9689]

Never can hold dart same drives me bonkers

[@TheRyanboyden]

master class #2 advice i received was "what works for you"? not educational sorry, there were mention of other grips that have masterd for other players which gives options, but ill stick with, "what works for me" for a master class.

[@Commander_35]

more like apfsds round

[@zukfreestylo]

Grip firmly.

[@aaronevans7197]

Paul Nicholson's masterclass hahaha pull the other one Next up .... Hugh Hefner's Monogamy masterclass

[@haynbong]

Got me worried when he said injuries

[@fourcandles9413]

Yep I blew out the tendon in my wrist because I had more of a flick throw

[@dereknagle]

Who is he??

[@BeasleyStreet]

Crikey....really, I'll tell you why this fails,something as simple as holding a dart,no one person holds it exactly the same as another,its all about all things coming together at delivery, the more relaxation in the hand and arm the better your chances,but there are many who hold all manner of sporting equipment unorthodoxically and be champions.

[@John-nd7il]

How tf you get a dart throwing injury

[@jonathanbreedlove4286]

Cocaine is a helluva drug.

[@fourcandles9413]

You can get the equivalent of tennis elbow and you can blow the tendon in the wrist.

[@ethanchambers6383]

Every single dart throws like a finger print hahah i know what he meant, but man its funny when he has those little vocab-farts lol

[@craigbradshaw3597]

Who's the ginger guy?.

[@fourcandles9413]

Ron Weasley 🤣

[@BoJangles3105]

Watched this again and it's worse the second time around.

[@jasonsampson1301]

I throw a 9 every day...too many good players...shit life...I'll stick to cuttin hair

[@thomaspisces7403]

i'm the worst dart player in the world..lol

[@hovardt5780]

There's not a right way to grip a dart. But there are wrong ways...

[@clevc112]

How to throw darts, no right way. Video over at 10 seconds.

[@BoJangles3105]

This pathetic so-called lesson started off with the wording GRIP. I will tell you now that you don't GRIP a dart you must get the dart to grip you. I can't and won't be held responsible because people can't comprehend this insight. As for the general advice all that needs to be said is Paul doesn't play darts anymore, not that he did anyway.

[@graememcfee23]

love how ex dart players who have won nothing bang on about how to hold play darts etc 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@evansphenomenal]

Irrelevant. He knows how to throw darts, that's enough to teach.

[@fourcandles9413]

@@evansphenomenal No he doesn't otherwise he'd have more than 2 wins in 20 years.

[@evansphenomenal]

@@fourcandles9413 he doesn't what?

[@94livin]

This did not help out at all