How to hold a dart! THE GRIP!

[@DartsClass]

Head to my channel for more content about everything darts. Live streams, Tips, Training games, ranking lists and thought pieces 👍🎯

[@shanepeter351]

@Gregory Braylen i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@tashaclaire7258]

By farrrrrr the best breakdown for a beginner on KZbin!! Thanks so much!

[@dignitola]

i have problems thoring the arrrow

[@joefordeagencies9671]

Help

[@joefordeagencies9671]

9:04

[@warmonger2500]

I watched a few other videos on the basics of how to throw a dart and none of them put all the basics together in an easy to understand format. Some split up the process in three videos while others just didn't explain anything well. This is an excellent basic tutorial and I appreciate it.

[@yannickpeter8607]

By far the BEST video about darts there is on youtube! Thank you so much. I started playing darts 30 days ago as a bloody beginner and set myself a challenge of playing 90 minutes a day and track some basic game stats as benchmarks. Got pretty desperate after i had minimal to no improvement. The good darts got better but i had zero consistency. At least one of the three darts felt completely random. I dont know what my grip was... If you could call it a grip anyway. As everybody told me it has to be my grip since i picked the dart up like this... After watching this video and applying your tips i had waaay better grouping of my darts after just 30 min of practice. It feels much more controlled. Makes me happy :)

[@sharonpruiett1933]

I agree with everybody else. This is a good video. You explain it well. My game has improved greatly. I went from throwing 30 to 40s to '90s to 120 in about 6 months. Thanks to you! Thank you. Keep it up. Make more videos. I'm learning a lot from you

[@EskoShorts]

I know my issue now I flick my wrist every throw it just feel natural coming from basketball. Pretty much the opposite to darts where I need to lock it. I tried now but it feels so weird and unnatural just gotta get through it . Lovely video !

[@Brassfunky]

Best video on youtube. The bit about having a locked wrist I think will help me. Thanks for the video

[@DartsClass]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful Douglas. 👍🎯

[@MattChappell-rk9xw]

P

[@retired8123]

My natural way to hold the dart had my palm more facing the board. I noticed most pros have their palm facing more upward. I improved quite a bit when I made this change and my follow through became more consistent . With my palm facing the board I had to use arm and should more to propel the dart...palm up ,my arm is quiet and the wrist pronation follow through is the majority of what i need to propel the dart

[@byrnez2755]

The tips and technique you offer were similar to many others I have watched... but you do it more clearly than many others. Cheers!

[@MrFamm]

Amazing video. Looking forward to being better through this channel

[@merkin51]

Just to echo loads of other comments, this is by far the best video on youtube covering all aspects of the grip. Just wished I had found this first before sitting through all the others!!

[@johnnybabee9095]

Thank you sooooo much fr this. I adapted my throw ad have a similar( not exact) stance, grip and arm action as you. After about 3 days my average climbed from 33-36 to about 60!! (Seriously, 58-60!) I can hit trebles with much better consistency than ever before. Been playing about 7 months and have battled frustration and disappointment. This grip and swing have made me love darts more than I thought possible. I still suck at doubles but I'll take whatever I can get. Baby steps!! Thanks again!!!

[@DartsClass]

AWESOME! it's all about finding out what works best for you, but using some basic solid technical foundations to support your throw! Glad you're seeing some improvements! 👍🎯

[@matchdarts142]

🙏🏻

[@dukecanell707]

Amazing. First grip instruction that I could relate to. I’m a noob dart player (3 months). I took your instructions for 20 minutes and was awed. I played a practice game of cricket of 1 dart per number. I went around the board until the dreaded bull. Took me 4 throws to get it. Thanks for the vid.

[@GSAutomotivePlus]

Just watched this video... Followed the advices given and found my grip style. Thanks a bunch for posting this video. Much appreciated. 👍😊

[@ahlavato]

Really appreciate this breakdown. I'm a living room darter and have to remind myself how to get back to basics every so often. This video really helps remind me to start simply. Thank you!

[@luanncrawford1406]

Very helpful. I will try to follow these tips at my next dart league night.

[@Yourenotthatguy]

I always grip the dart with my thumb, indexfinger and middle finger. I'll try this out next time

[@brianhamm7297]

I WAS ALWAYS TOLD TO TRY TO KEEP YOUR ARM AND ELBO VERY STEADY ON RELEASE AND FOLLOW THROUGH BUT WHEN I LOOK AT YOUR ELBO IT MOVES UP WARD ALOT WHEN YOU RELEASE SO I THINK I BEEN SO FOCUSED ON THAT I THINK ITS MAKING ME INCONSISTANT THANKS FOR VIDEO

[@deanotaggo9788]

Nice video mate. Love the shading in something with a pen analogy 👍 very informative. Thanks for taking the time. Appreciated.

[@Ezoangelofdeath]

Hey thank you, i had a mini stroke, I've had to teach myself how to type and play guitar over again, when i picked up a dart i sent it flying into the ceiling and could not hit the board, i decided to try with my left hand, after watching you my accuracy is blowing my mind, I'm about as good as i ever was with my right hand, i still battle hitting the 1 while throwing at 20s, but I'm starting to think it's more mental, many thank yous

[@spikethedarkside7535]

Thank you so much for the tip of the locked wrist. That one really was gold to me! 👍😉

[@gabrieldibildox6474]

Just subscribed, great content. I’ve replayed some of your videos as a refresher. I like that you’re concise and thorough. Keep your videos coming!

[@DartsClass]

Thanks Gabriel. Glad you like it! Great to have you here 👍🎯

[@gwenethrhonehouse578]

Beginning 😊at veteran's club, thx for dart tips for beginners, very well explained.

[@greenskynz]

thanks for the video, how important is the aspect of keeping the dart parallel or almost parallel to the ground when the arm and forearm at 90 degrees (7:34 of your video). something that according to another video is often overlooked. for this to achieve i grip the dart the way you have shown but the tip sort of pointing inside the palm. thanks

[@derekfegen2472]

Clear instructions good job lad best darts channel for this sort of thing

[@DartsClass]

Thank you Derek 👍🎯

[@TexasCigarRoadshow]

How do you determine what type of dart weight and balance you are best suited for?

[@alanmillership1339]

I'm about a 60 average player but to be honest not really thought about how hard to grip before................just that I have very dry hands and need a grippy dart. Picked myself up a set of Harrows Elite a couple of days ago as they have a bulbous bit I can push against to aid my grip. Took your advice and hold them with a slightly lighter grip and feels better straight away. Won 2 games in a row on webcamdarts with about 62 average in each match. Cheers

[@DartsClass]

Great stuff. It might not work for everyone but a more relaxed loose grip eliminates dragging the dart a lot 👍🎯

[@marthao5799]

I watched this video earlier this year when I came back to throwing after a 35-year gap, ahahahah. Somehow, I ended up with a grip I knew wasn't right but started throwing well (all things relative, lol). Now I have been trying to get a better grip and when I happened on this video again, I immediately watched it paying much better attention. I'm ready to head to the bar and throw a few! I have a bye this week and want to improve as much as I can this next week, week and a half before I play in the local league again 🤞 Thanks for the pointers!

[@Camrographer]

I noticed there's a whipping action to your throw. I had a similar throw and I started developing elbow issues. by following through with my throw all the way down to my torso I reduced the abrupt arrest of my arm's momentum and the stresses on my joints and tendons.

[@arminius301]

That's actually a very good point! I'm now wondering how the pros prevent joint damage, similar to Tennis elbow etc.

[@alanmarriott9216]

Great video. What type of barrel suits this style of grip please!?

[@ScouseLewie]

Loving your explanations, well described and understandable to a layman who is just starting out. Keep up the great work

[@DartsClass]

Thank you John, appreciate you kind words

[@ScouseLewie]

@@DartsClass I am one of those laymans trying to get back into it. Need a lot of practise then try and be able to throw straight (sick of getting 26) :). Your videos are helping a lot....I clearly need to tweak my throw more

[@DartsClass]

Baby steps is the way forward, there's not real cheat aside from practice. I may live stream a practice on here later, so if you're interested you can see what I do, and ask any questions etc

[@Wolfinator234]

One little detail. Try to have no muscle tension in the last two fingers. This usually means they're sitting outward (not circled under)

[@mbanford1]

I wonder if it's possible to see some slow motion breakdown of what is happening on the throw?

[@brabbit6617]

Great video. Glad you didn't say "What ever feels.compfoetable". That doesn't help beginners like myself. Though I did figured "Hold it like a pen" thing out. I think it would be clearer if people say "Hodl it like a pen you are passing to someone". If you hold.it like a pen you a writing with its a totally different hold. Your thumb will point forward which makes it difficult to caulk you wrist and aim. Today I start led holding it like a pen I was passing. It was a game changer. I could lock my wrist and even aim easier.

[@oscarescalante7489]

First thank you for your time and I’m just trying to correct my through around my town is small so most people play for $5$10 $15 or $20 dollars but just want to at least be some kind of competition!.

[@dinkobg6831]

I throw exactly like Gary Anderson, noting textbook but work wonderfully for me also for Gary

[@rowenalagon4599]

thank you for the guidance

[@BryTheITguy]

You mentioned a locked wrist. Can you please demonstrate how the wrist is aligned with the point of the dart and in which position the wrist should be locked in place in relation to how your forearm is facing the board! Cheers. Love the content

[@DartsClass]

Hi Bryan, absolutely. Its hard to demonstrate written down. If you join one of my live streams and comment in the chat I'll show you so I can stand front on to the camera 👍🎯

[@BryTheITguy]

@@DartsClass Sure that sounds great! When do you usually live stream? In Canada here, so gotta figure out difference in time. Cheers

[@DartsClass]

I do it Wednesday nights (one tonight) 8pm GMT (in about 50 minutes) and then Saturday afternoons approximately 3pm GMT 👍🎯

[@BryTheITguy]

@@DartsClass Awesome! Thanks for the info! Will try to catch today's stream. If not definitely on Saturday!

[@alanmarriott9216]

Great video. Think I need to go back to basics as although averaging 58 which is ok I’m very erratic and my grip is very unorthodox. Can I ask question about what weight darts should be using please?

[@nikonicholson1]

How important do you think it is that the thumb needs to be under the barrel facing the way it does in all the examples of the pros?

[@brentthompsonsr9674]

I would like some advice on my grip and throw with some mild arthritis to have more accuracy. I shoot with 24g darts, please help me, Ty.

[@zrotzel]

Thank you, new player here and this was a big help, I am struggling with consistency.

[@davebedwell4323]

Appreciate this video! Just getting back into darts and my grip had changed from 2 fingers on the barrel in my past, to the pencil grip you just showed us. I was torn trying to use my old 2 finger grip clumsily, when now the dart falls naturally into my hand exactly as you demonstrated. So thanks to you I'm no longer undecided on my grip, but will now try to perfect the pencil grip. Thanks again!

[@DartsClass]

Thank you bud. Whatever you change, stick with it for a while before changing again. Don't scramble your brain

[@hendriknieuwenhuizen4397]

I have been playing darts for many years. I have found that a two finger grip keeps the dark flying straight. I take aim and bring my hand shortly backwards, then gently push the dart towards the board. Make allowances for the dart to slightly drop.

[@fouadalkhamy6413]

Thank U! From Egypt!

[@greenzx9r]

fantastic video. packed full of super useful information.. thank you so much.

[@UncleManuel]

Nice, now I do understand why the grip of some pros looks so weird on camera, especially Gerwin Price. I started to grip my darts from the side with 3 or 4 fingers because they fall naturally in that position when I do roll them between my fingers. But they would wobble and hit the board all over the place. The pencil grip feels totally weird in the hand when I pick up a dart. But standing in front of the board and actively analyzing my throw I can understand now how it works...👍 Maybe it feels so weird because pencils have a way larger diameter than tungsten darts. For me it is definitely something I have to get used to.😇

[@rossmookstable128]

Great video! Thanks so much for the tip on locking the wrist, I wasn't doing this and wondered why I was being inconsistent. I've since kept my wrist locked abd scoring has drastically improved. Thank you!

[@JemiehZandrieRanan-yr6wq]

Thank for making this video i was always locking my wrist thanks for the video😊😊😊

[@coltsfan264]

The best tip I can give to beginners is to find where you can balance the dart in your index finger finding the center of gravity , and that’s where you hold it, keeps the dart straight in flight, as you play more you can find what works for you but it’s good to start there

[@andrewtesta3850]

Should I be spinning the dart off my fingers or try to keep it in a fixed position through the air?

[@banford]

I never even thought about my wrist, I've always used it as that's just what I thought you did lol

[@evynex]

How long have you played to not think about your wrist? I try to account for everything.

[@jamierask8527]

Should you be using steel or soft tip darts? I know almost all pubs have soft tip machines. Most tournaments are the sme.

[@Grandi74]

Brilliant! Some really great tips and explained really simply and in no nonsense terms. Great job! 👍

[@DartsClass]

Thank you. It is important to remember that holding a dart should be done as naturally as possible, but hopefully there is some info in here for beginners to know where to start! Thanks for your support!

[@Grandi74]

I don’t think it’s just for beginners. It is always good for seasoned player to look at their throw and see if there are bad habits they have got into or areas to improve. 👍

[@Thoothje_]

Any tips for a players who holds a dart with his index , middle and ring finger on the barrel on the middel of the barrel. ( I do put a little light pressure ). I feel it’s kinda like Peter wright throw or something like that.

[@johnlawyer2122]

I place my thumb on the balance point. Is that good or bad?

[@thomasnappo6309]

Well said..😊

[@noeaguilar893]

As the realse of the dart. Do you spin the dart i dart so in flight its spinning, or just a straight flight

[@DartsClass]

I spin the dart back into my grip on the pull back, then push it out on release. Neither is right or wrong, but I find more control my way, but sometimes have better grouping if I spin on release

[@easer777]

Totally newbie here, locking the wrist makes sense, in terms of repeatability, however, sitting here in my couch trying it (without a dart, I have no board yet....;- ), I feel that the wrist HAS to unlock when throwing the dart, and I think that I see You do the same in the slow motion....? - Any way, thanks for sharing....!!!

[@frankybarra6067]

What about weight. I just set up a board. I have to identical darts ( thinner barrel ) and one thicker barrel. besides just getting the feel of the dart or darts, Is there a specific weight I should be using according to my body type? I weigh 225 lbs. 6 ft.

[@DartsClass]

Not necessarily any reason for the weight you use apart from personal preference. If you 'float' the dart in you may want a slightly heavier dart to ensure they go firmly into the board. Most people when they start out tend to be most comfortable somewhere between 23-27 grams 👍

[@alanmarriott9216]

Does your thumb go straight down barrel in a line

[@bobbymalta73]

Hello friend as everyone knows darts game is a game of calculations and mathematics wright but what are those multiplications mostly used those ×2 and ×3 am i correct please? Cheers thks for sharing mate.

[@rnfst527691]

Ty very much im struggling i think this will help

[@blakehonor1494]

So I'm pretty good average a 3 in cricket and about a 27 in 01 should I change my throw completely or stay the way I throw currently.

[@noweanji]

So what type of barrel should we choose?

[@C4sp3r123]

Did you delete the arm video you mentioned? I can't find it.

[@mike_qbik]

hiw about the flight position. should the flights be rotated to x or + position just before the throw? from what I can see you have your darts flights in + position. thx

[@ruprecht3360]

I've been throwing off my middle finger rather than my index finger from day one, I never took darts to seriously but I've always been decent, I recently realized I've been gripping fundamentally wrong, it's a nightmare trying to change

[@jonathanroberts3164]

My natural grip of a dart is to have my two main fingers on the barrel and then to have the ring finger on the point to help with stability in my hand. I understand there isn’t much right or wrong but what do people think of this grip?

[@DartsClass]

Nothing wrong with that. I used to throw like that, the finger on the point makes it more stable when you're aiming it, just remember to pull that finger away on your back swing or it might over complicate your release if you have to get the timing of an extra release finger right! 👍

[@jonathanroberts3164]

@@DartsClass Okay, I'll consider that. Thank you

[@moulletsmayhem2334]

Thanks for the tips

[@dylanboyd969]

I grip 2 fingers and thumb but it’s causing issue at minute my 3rd finger it dosent feel natural and affecting my release I’ve been trying different kind of grips for 6 months now and I’m really struggling

[@leonbultstra8740]

Thanks for the video it helpt a lot

[@darrenandrews5523]

All about comfort and personal choice

[@markbelongie1088]

What advice do you have for right handed and left eye dominant (left foot dominant too - that is the foot I lead with)? Great video!

[@seangeerlof5186]

Do you spin the dart at all when you throw it? If some spin the dart when throwing is this done by the majority of dart throwers?

[@richardperry3020]

Following through after release i find important as well. Great tips though

[@DartsClass]

100%, I have a video on that too 👍🎯

[@AmericanHistoryGenX]

I'm a yank ( more ways than one) . Going to throw my 1st dart at 57 at a bar with some real Richard heads . Thank you ol chap. I have a chance now very informative.. hear hear. God save the king. Is in order.

[@jeffreymurphy5313]

Excellent video, I've been struggling with consistency. I've played darts for years but have been totally self taught. I adjusted my grip, started practicing and within a day, my consistency improved dramatically. It was scary to adjust my grip but this video was so well done, it made it easy and gave me the confidence to try. That you very much.

[@DartsClass]

Glad it was helpful! Keep at it!

[@PaulMcCarthyYT]

I can't hold a dart or a pen that way. If you move your fingers away will the dart be balanced on your thumb?

[@dirkwyse1609]

Excellent program! 🎯

[@jamierask8527]

I'd like to know about soft tip darts. I've been throwing 95% tungsten with medium spinners and hard plastic flights. I recently tried throwing 16 gr short shaft short tip and saw a remarkable increase in accuracy. I'm 5 11 and weigh 230. It's the first time I've tried throwing 16 gr shorter days, 5 inches tip to end of flight. Ideas? Suggestions?

[@Pilcrepus]

Before this they told me "hold your dart like you would hold a pen". And that's what I did. I hold a pen with my thumb, index and middle finger very close to the tip, squeezing hard. Naturally, that went horribly with throwing darts. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. This video was very helpful! Thank you.

[@adrianprim3315]

I've been playing at home for over 14 years how do i stop hitting 3 treble 5 3 treble 1 no joke had moor of them than the elusive 180s lol good vid mate 🎯👍

[@ROSIESDAD]

Dear darts class, when i throw my dart sometime doesnt make the board, i'm not weak but i dont have the rist strength. what am i doing wrong. Very frustrating

[@thomaslloyd1358]

I’m left handed but right eye dominant, how do u suggest I throw?

[@stevennawik7663]

Very useful

[@donnieguthrie6663]

Enjoyed the video very informative.

[@willwc2415]

It’s impossible to tell someone how to hold a dart, everyone is different. That said, not gripping too hard is very good advice.

[@linetiilikainen2755]

All the top players grip very similar so if you want to get good its probobly best to look at how they are doing it.

[@willwc2415]

@@linetiilikainen2755 I think there is still a lot of different grip types with the top pros. Front, rear, fingers on the point. What I’m saying is - you’ve got to start of gripping as feels natural to you, then work from there.

[@Mushimiya]

@@willwc2415 I agree with you. You have to try different things but stick to what feels natural, because every body is built differently. Some might even experience pain if they throw just like MVG or Wright. Just keep throwing the darts in a way that is pain-free and natural and build in that muscle memory.

[@marcocangina8987]

Cool Video👍🏻 Hard to get all your nice accent down from Switzerland here😉 but your tip about locked wrist is prizeless to me👍🏻👌🏻 looking forward My First turnament as an amateur in spring. always around the triple20, implement Lots of Inputs in My game so far, worked pretty well so far and now i feel i should get more tripples but it stagnates by „Neal by“😤 recognized in My aming that i pull My wrist back to hard instand of locking it in. I‘m sure your tip is My missing puzzle😉👍🏻👌🏻 Thx a lot and game on🎯✌🏻

[@stevieg3929]

I do the same but my middle finger is under the barrel near the point but not on the point

[@jackhandy1626]

Great video very helpful 👍

[@DartsClass]

Cheers Jack

[@simeonemascarpone]

I have a question. Been playing again after years of not picking up a dart. But if I throw naturally, the dart always ends up around the double 20 area. I can't generate much power and I feel like I always have to hold back when throwing especially in the lower numbers. Wich clearly doesn't help the consistency. Anyone got an idea why this could be?

[@dbdoberman]

Thanks good job

[@nikummul3498]

What kind of dart you used?look pretty nice!!!...

[@DartsClass]

In the early videos I am using Harrow Torpedos

[@nikummul3498]

What grams?

[@DartsClass]

These ones are 26g, I now use 24g 👍

[@wayneintveld4567]

Thanks 😊

[@michaeldartsacademy3407]

What is the best way to hit a 180 in darts

[@cjrose3285]

I deal with a lot of things at work that dry out my hands, when I try and practice after work, I cannot get a good feel of the darts at all, regardless if I use my high grip level darts or my medium level grip. They feel the same. What advice would you have for someone with this problem of constantly having dry hands? Lotion just takes forever to dry, and it feels like I cannot get a good feel for the dart after the lotion dries.

[@joegabriele]

So far after months of looking online someone who truly shows how to properly shoot the dart. My biggest issue was that I wasn’t locking the wrist will have to try this hopefully more treble 20’s thanks mate from Canada

[@Fly420]

Been throwin since '78 and can verify these basics. Almost everyone throws with a little arc. Do not frustrate yourself by trying to throw flat (deadstroking) at first, just control the arc. When Van Gerwin throws a T80, his darts are tailed up.

[@giancarlolatayan3989]

I'm a beginner,my grip is 3fingers I tried to copy this grip but I can't actually do this:( I'm bad at aiming,I try to hit triple20 but I only got triple1:( please give me some advice.

[@asct3674]

to have the most dexterous release one needs to hold the dart at the front of a widely knurled barrel

[@leonbrady6288]

Ive all 5 fingers in contact with my dart pinky finger resting on the point, i can hit Maximums etc....but now i think my grips weird

[@DartsClass]

If you're hitting 180s regularly I wouldn't worry. This is more of a basic guide for people that have never really played 👍🎯

[@seminmensah2103]

great channel and great tipps! Whats your avg? :)

[@DartsClass]

Thank you Semin. Usually around the 70-75 mark. 👍🎯

[@malcolmpetersen8221]

I have been trying all sorts of grip technique and just don't seem to get it right, my darts are getting worse, any suggestions

[@Phick_Tenis]

With the tumb and index finger whatever feels good, with middelfinger make it so that it keeps the point in the good direction. U could also use 4 or even 5 fingers to make it even more stable. The reason many dartplayers hold the middelfinger at the point or the end of the point is so that its always at the exact same place. Helps for consistency.