Dartitis - Beating it, Not getting it and My experience of it.

[@weimarutube]

Excellent delivery on an important topic backed with experience. Nice to only hear the content.

[@kevindebaeke1831]

Awesome video! It must be hell to deal with dartitis. I hear it's still hard to talk about it, especially when people give you a rough time laughing with it. You earn tons of respect. Working very hard to overcome your demons, and reclaim your passion for darts. Love your channel and keep up the good work. You can hear the passion for the sport in your voice. Be very proud of what you achieved!!!

[@ciaranperry4677]

it's a nightmare, after my first year of darts i had a 70-75 avg and felt great then it hit and i spent over 6 months unable to hit anything, darts bouncing off the board, couldnt do the motion or feel right about anything in the throw, had to start from scratch and relearn a new throw and grip twice and only now starting to get somewhere but still not as consistent.

[@ourdarts1573]

Mine started when I started to put to much pressure on myself. These days it comes and goes. I just try and not get worked up about it. Great video

[@RyanDC123]

Same as me, I tried too hard to be good

[@josephligayo7304]

Thank you sir.got it.now i know why my darts goes wat too low.i almost quit practicing but i just love playing darts.

[@claymore32]

I struggled with dartitis at the back end of 2020. Started with the draw back, and then spread to the wrist. I had a kind of Bristow style roll to my wrist and my arm just stopped working when I drew it back. It started when I had a run of games where, as a 60 avg player, I was struggling to average 30. I couldn't hit doubles for the life of me and my scoring had gone completely. I never switched hands as I've always had elbow problems in my left arm, so I ended up developing this throw, which was a cross between Andy Hamilton and Scott Mitchell. It wasnt a good throw, it made my darts go low a lot, but it seemed to help prevent the arm locking on the draw back, and with that, the wrist roll. After playing with that throw for a few months, I started rebuilding it to be more fluid and natural and now I couldn't be happier with it. I now throw smoothly with a good rhythm and I only occasionally find my wrist rolling if I'm nervous. Even then it happens just before I throw, so I can often stop myself, shake my hand a bit and it's fine the next time.

[@clivedickinson550]

Dartitis is usually a focal dystonia movement disorder. I have it in my jaw. It is thought to be a rewiring of the brain. Difficult to get over without major change of throw = different path ways. Going to the opposite hand is a great way of ensuring different pathways that hopefully means no more dartitis. Glad it worked for you.

[@dangreene9846]

I got and I have overcome to some extent, sometimes Ill shoot pretty good . But I never got back before it affected me.

[@RyanDC123]

@@dangreene9846 I got it, and changed my throw and got pretty decent 65 average but then I tried to hard and started snatching alot again, didnt play for a year and even now I still snatch some darts so far that it'll hit the surround under the 3 but its only once or twice in a practice

[@wrenlfc]

Always great to come back to this video because now I’ve got the dreaded D word/mental block 😢I’m going into games where I know I can beat them everyday of the week but having problems with releasing/block and it’s soul destroying 😢. That’s why now I’ve gone to left handed and I know you’ll help me along the way left handed. You should do a follow up video of this mate especially for the newbies in darts. I remember I followed you ever since this video and now 3 years later you’ve grown so much 👌💪 this follow up video would blow up ⬆️

[@buntafujiwara3586]

Almost 18 months it took me to break out of dartitis. I took three months off but that didn't work. Then I changed my stance, then my grip, then my darts. Still no good. I tried several things mentioned in this video, and although it helped and I could throw again, I wasn't cured. I thought darts was over for me. In the end I defeated dartitis away from the board. It was really an conscious determination to literally learn to play again from scratch. I started from the basics and treated myself as an absolute beginner. I got much better but not back to the standard of old. Poor consistency and low confidence were almost overwhelming. One year later I made another conscious decision to self-evaluate all parts of my game and once again apply basic principles. Finally I had an epiphany and my game started improving again. The battle was completely psychological, all in my head. My recovery started by giving myself a bloody good talking-to. Training videos help enormously with motivation and conviction. You can do this!

[@robertrice9466]

Brilliant, it’s not just you can’t release the dart. I said to my m8 once when we where playing “I can’t physically just straighten my arm the way I want too” he could see I was upset and suffering from it. I had a quarter final in my local club and the whole week up to it I put myself under so much pressure, practicing every day and practicing badly, I fell apart and couldn’t wait to get off the oche first to 3, beat 3-0. I think it’s a case off wanting to do well and putting yourself under unnecessary pressure to do so. Iam trying to relax and enjoy the game more because if you don’t it will get the better of us who have it. I love the game and I’ll keep trying, your videos are a big help in that. 🎯❤️

[@paulchinn5981]

Sorry you had to go through all that man. Great video and straight to the point with someone who knows all about it. Thanks for the video.

[@jameslloyd9439]

I've got dartitus with my right hand but I'm learning to throw with my left. It really is horrible and frustrating not being able to perform as well as I did.

[@Straightdarts]

It's gunna be a long painful road but it's worth it. :) you'll learn so much about darts in general from the experience of starting again. 😀

[@GodsBackBaby]

Firstly, thank you for your time & your superb channel. I’ve been playing 30yrs but it’s still good to keep refreshing & your vids are top notch & the best I’ve seen for advice on here 👏🏼 I started throwing when I was about 17. I was not a natural & had to work a lot harder than others I played with. I have always had issues in my release but around about 20yrs old it got to the stage where I couldn’t release the dart at all. When I did I hit the wall beneath the board…my wall now looks like 🧀 😳 I had never heard of dartitis before then. It’s something that has never gone away,it’s always there but I can now manage it. Your tips here are spot on & how I eventually found my way of coping with dartitis. To this day I have to go through a routine that can take 15-20 mins before I find myself able to play with any consistency. Some days are easier than other & finding the right darts also played an important part in enabling me to play to an ok standard. I recently bought a new set of darts,a Harrows anniversary magnum, which are a totally different shape barrel to my previous shard shape darts…And just like that my dartitis returned ! Some great advice in your vid & I advice anyone struggling with dartitis to listen to this advice,it really does work. I also recommend following other tips from previous videos on this channel,like how to stand & finding the line as these more than anything else help me whenever I’m struggling to release. If I get my line up and stance correct (for me) then even before I throw a dart my mind is already focused on other things and seem to make the release more of a natural feel. I don’t know about anyone else but I know before I’ve even thrown a dart I can tell when im stood on the oche if im going to struggle. When you are struggling go through a checklist. Check your stance,your line,your grip and just concentrate on the push. Really focus on pushing your dart in a straight line. It can be torture but if you try to keep mentally relaxed & follow a checklist you WILL come through your struggle and you CAN become an accomplished dart player. It just takes time,practice & patience & I can’t recommend this channel enough to anyone,new or experienced. Thanks again,this really is the best darts channel around 👍

[@Straightdarts]

Well done mate! And thank you! 😊

[@Ilovetosingem]

Nice one thank you for your advice.

[@completenYOURtime]

Good video. I am working through this now. One thing that has helped me recognize the issue in practice is placing my opposite hand on the inside pit of forearm and bicep and hold down. My throw rockets to the board with almost full power and straight tho not accurate. But it is a recognition and confirmation of where hiccup is in my throw.

[@TomasMisura]

I have had similar difficulties. Sometimes my hand stopped during release and result was dart went into the wall under the dartboard. as result of the tension i did feel during release my throw technique was rapidly decreasing as I did pull my hand / my hand was falling down to chest instead of keep it to ear. Whenever I tried to move my hand back to eat and throw I was beating myself and scratching hurt cheek with a dart tip. An top of that I was not able to catch dart properly it was like I am mentally impacted. So I started to play darts from scratch. what helped me very much was do not watch on the darts board during and was constantly checking how my hand oriented. Now I am back but i throw way slower with less consistency. it's getting improved but progress is not such as I would expect.

[@leedavies5128]

I have dartitis and switched from right to left but developed in my left too, stopped playing due to being embarrassed, will try again from today as really used to enjoy playing 👌👌

[@stephenmcconway4894]

I’ve actually had dartitis 3 times

[@onlyonerombo]

Below is my experience as having one of the worst cases of Dartitis I know of. I hope my comments help you in any way if you suffer from it. My Dartitis started when my standard of play reached a good level, and consequently my own expectations became impossible to attain. At its worst I couldn’t even bring my arm forward from my shoulder …at home by myself ! Interestingly though, in the short lived Dartitis free periods, my throw continued to reach higher levels, until the Dartitis came back again. It is psychosomatic…there’s nothing physically wrong with my arm. During one comp I even switched to my left arm but was in such a worked up mental state by then I still couldn’t let the dart go ! I believe it’s a mental expectation that causes Dartitis. The brain sends a signal to the arm to throw, but it can’t guarantee the outcome so it hesitates….the message to the arm is throw, but don’t miss…. The proof of this is that if I shut my eyes my action is perfect…Because the expectation has gone as there’s nothing to miss. Now I just play at home casually with family and friends. I hope that anyone reading this who has it, makes a full recovery. It is possible, and has been done. 😊

[@ThaGamingMisfit]

I just tried throwing with my left arm, my first dart went like 70cm below the board ! Mad respect relearning everything with the other arm !

[@Straightdarts]

Thanks mate. 😃

[@WatershipAlan]

Dartitis is demoralising, there's no quick fix. One key thing to remember is make sure you're not holding your breath, you'll tense up and lose the ability to let go properly.

[@divshearer]

5:10 describes me to a tee. Starting to think I'm beginning to develop dartitis. I'm losing matches to people I know I can beat every day of the week. I've dabbled in throwing left handed and I feel as though my follow through is almost perfect though I have little to no accuracy yet, I'm just pleased if my darts hit the board.

[@DaWidDiY]

Absolutely right mate👌👌

[@neilrasmussen2063]

Now, every time I'm getting frustrated with my throws, I'm going to imagine throwing a brick at the board 😂

[@shirleybray7327]

I've struggled with dartitis for years, on and off. It affects my release. I've had so many people make fun of me. One guy in particular brings up an incident from 3 years ago every time he sees me. It is 100% mental for me. Switching hands helps, also changing my stance from left to right of the oche helps too. I love darts and work very hard to overcome my dartitis. I just wish more pub darts players were aware of what dartitis is and could be more supportive of those of us who suffer from it.

[@Straightdarts]

Iv encountered people like this. Educated him on what dartitis is and how that made you feel. Most people stop and rethink. If he doesn't tell him to grow up and talk to someone else. You don't need people like that in your life. They are not worthy of your time. Looking after yourself includes looking after your mind. 😀

[@SuperRogers007]

Ive got dartitis ! I got it from swapping my darts and changing my throw all the time ..id get up ever morning before work and forget how to hold the darts 😢

[@collettandy]

Hi Daniel, I've recently severed a tendon in my right wrist, has been repaired by the docs but still in plaster at the moment. Really interesting to learn you have taught yourself to play left handed. I have had a throw left handed and actually won a game against my mates yesterday with a double out 😲. Feels really unnatural at the moment. Hoping I can return to playing right handed but will give left handed a good go rather than stop playing. Did you have a link to your video for how you learnt to play left handed? I haven't been able to find it yet. Keep up the great videos 👍🎯 Andy

[@Straightdarts]

I don't think Iv done a video just on that. I think I talked about it slightly I'm my practice plan and development video. I'll have to make one asap. :)

[@collettandy]

@@Straightdarts That would be really interesting to hear your journey if you get the chance to make a dedicated video. Really good to hear you were able to make the change and play at a very decent level with your left hand too. I'll focus on your how to throw dart vids and see what standard I can get to left handed. Only got to get to a 50 average to match my right hand average

[@davidstephenson3442]

I have just switched to my left hit a few 180s its like summat in my head switched around

[@ericgavib7553]

I’ve had it 10 years now and a can’t get rid of it at all

[@BrianAshton-w5z]

Ive had it 8 years and i know longer play i have tried everything and it hasn't gone b4 i git it my best was 10 dart finish im absolutely gutted i cant play anymore i loved the game

[@Straightdarts]

Give this ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnnUamacedisidksi=ytC3rMlaQlE1he0l

[@BrianAshton-w5z]

@@Straightdarts thank you mate appreciated

[@connorbettley2832]

This is so frustrating makes something u used to find ‘easy’ simply impossible

[@TheJH1015]

I think I got dartitis, or if it wasn't dartitis, *some* issues, after roughly 1.5 to 2 years of starting to play darts (or well, just practicing really). Couldn't release the dart properly, pulled them all under the board (like, a good feet or 2 under), and messed up my grip and throw in the process. Sorta solved it by, as you said, holding the barrel by the tips of my fingers, and additionally closing my eyes while throwing so I didn't get visual stress of seeing/bothering about my grip, and just doing what felt natural and relaxed. And it... kinda worked I guess? Still having release issues but they're pretty minor and I can at least group my darts again.

[@Straightdarts]

Definitely Dartitis mate. Good work though. :)

[@stefaanwalleghem2746]

I've only been playing for a month and a half and start to have problems with dartitis. My arm blocks halfway the throw. I thought I had a problem with not having a perpendicular forearm as it started with my arm pulling to the right. But it's getting worse and it doesn't change if I keep my arm really perpendicular. Taking a break does help me out and not pressuring too much. I hope I can get rid of this problem.

[@jackbexhell]

My dartitis is strange. Started with a snatch then it went to the point where I couldn't actually pull the dart back at all. It's got to the point where I think the only way to play again is to switch hands

[@Straightdarts]

Do it, its very rewarding 😀 but make sure to reflect on why and how you caught Dartitis. Dont make the same mistakes. 😀

[@jackbexhell]

@@Straightdarts Do you have a video on your transition to left handed throwing? My mistake was overthinking everything from grip to dart weight to stance. Ruined my game almost overnight

[@muftydog]

So have you ever been tempted to go back to your right arm? Or are you a better player left handed than you ever were right handed now? What you've done is admirable mate.Most people would just throw the towel in i think.

[@Straightdarts]

I have tried a few times, but after a few throws, it really hurts. I'm definitely better with my left than I was with my right, though. :)

[@stevieg3929]

When I throw my arm sometimes spasms to the left or right, could that be a type of dartitis, or is it just from pressure or playing too much or just a general snatch?

[@Straightdarts]

It's a very early sign of Dartitis. Do not try to hard and don't try to force anything. Keep the arm as relaxed as possible and maybe even strat practicing in mini sessions until it goes. If you have a match night, I'd strongly recommend just throwing very lose and force on how they feel rather that trying to aim and hit what your looking at. Get them feeling as relaxed and as smooth as possible and start aiming a bit more before the match starts. :)

[@stevieg3929]

@@Straightdarts appreciate it bro, maybe trying to get a feel for it works out better anyway! Thanks bro

[@stevieg3929]

@@Straightdarts I have been playing a lot tho, maybe it’s just arm fatigue I’ve had 3 days off

[@Straightdarts]

@@stevieg3929 yeah, definitely take a brake.

[@stevieg3929]

@@Straightdarts played 24 games of 501 today 😅

[@andrewearl6721]

I have been going through a horror period of dartitis, I am getting better I don't often hit a 2 followed by off the board above 5 and a single 1 as often. My problem is still the unlocking the wrist on the follow through and getting full extension on the follow through. There are still times where I will throw darts off the top of the board, it's all the locked wrist. Do you have any exercises that will help to unlock the wrist? When I do unlock the wrist occasionally my accuracy improves dramatically. Thanks Andrew

[@Straightdarts]

You can try push the darts with the fingers more instead?

[@AshNewCyclistEdwards]

I've had dartitis, an played through it. Then stopped playing/throwing, recently started to throw again at home an now the way i did throw feels weird (throw from side of the face) I was a quick ish thrower like michael smith but now when i bring the arm back it comes back really fast an keep getting hit in the cheek an eye. Is there any techniques to stop this . . . Or would i need to lower my arm which i have seen in 1 of ur vids but can't seem to find it. Thanks 👍

[@Straightdarts]

Have you tried drawing the dart back with the wrist so the point starts to aim upward and the flight downward? That normally helps.

[@AshNewCyclistEdwards]

@@Straightdarts cheers will give it go 👍

[@reggiebishop5398]

Anyone I seen who got through it I see they roll the darts in their fingers and I think that works but it takes some getting use too. But you Gian van vein Mervin king or Austrian mensir sy ovich

[@oldgold5848]

I feel my darts should be better than they are. I don't play anyone, just throw in my garage. I don't throw for hours at a time, but have thrown for years. Some days I'm OK, someday less so. My release is far from flowing, and I seem to stop just after release...kind of Magnus Carins esque... or at least I think it was him it reminds me of. I have to really concentrate on trying to get a proper less snatch release

[@Straightdarts]

Try keeping the elbow still and flicking through with the wrist a bit more. Make sure your elbow isn't raising before the point if release and also that isn't not turning. This is the most common mistake made by experienced dart players.

[@oldgold5848]

@@Straightdarts many thanks Daniel

[@oldgold5848]

@@Straightdarts just been throwing a few Daniel, and I have found that this seems to in general tighten my lateral dispersion despite the odd flier, and speed up the flight of the dart and have it land flatter. Looks promising...cheers!

[@Chelskie-darts]

Wouldn’t mind you going through some of my videos were u can see me in view and let me know if you think I’m getting dartitis , seem to be pulling my face forward a lot when going forward to release , almost scraping the dart across my face 😬 can still play well mind but sometimes I’m awful

[@SuperRogers007]

Phil Taylor said he threw a pebble in his book ..his autobiography

[@stevieg3929]

You said you know what you did wrong? What caused it for you then? If you don’t mind me asking pal

[@Straightdarts]

Trying to force the darts rather that relaxing and working on my throw. I would get tense and angry inside at times. If I was snatching the dart I'd try to stop by being more aggressive in the throw. Once you have Dartitis you start to learn where you went wrong but it's to late. It takes so much more that Keeping relaxed to fix it.

[@GCH1993]

Are you from Swansea?! 😀

[@Straightdarts]

Yes, Iv been living on the sa1 3yrs in June :)

[@GCH1993]

@@Straightdarts Do you work for admiral? I know someone there 😂

[@Straightdarts]

@@GCH1993 yeah Iv been working in van sales for 8yrs now. :') who is it?

[@GCH1993]

@@Straightdarts Huw butler? 😅

[@Straightdarts]

@@GCH1993 can say I recognise the name but might do the face. It's a bit like that in Admiral. Over 10 thousand staff but iv only ever meet about thousand since iv been their and most of those have gone. 😅

[@tomgurran4870]

I always see the advice of playing with your left, but I cannot throw it on both arms lol

[@reggiebishop5398]

Mensir suljovic