How you grip your dart is the most critical part of the dart throw. So, it’s important to use a grip that feels most comfortable for you.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most common dart grips so that you can decide which is best for your game.
Keep reading to find out more.
What To Consider When Holding Your Darts
Firstly, there is no right or wrong way to hold a dart. You’ll find that each player holds the dart slightly differently. However, your grip will depend on the barrel of the dart and your finger positioning.
Below are some things to keep in mind while gripping your dart.
Take a Relaxed Grip
Your grip should be tight and firm. However, avoid gripping the dart too hard, as you’ll find it more challenging to throw consistently.
To assume the perfect grip, loosely hold your dart enough so that it doesn’t slip. However, hold it firm enough to keep it under control when throwing. Generally, people hold the dart too tightly, which is a common mistake by beginners.
The Type Of Barrel
When choosing the shape or length for the dart barrel, it’s important to consider the type of grip that you use or plan to use before purchasing your darts. Longer barrels allow more fingers to hold onto the dart. Whereas a short barrel means fewer fingers can grip the dart.
Basics of the Dart Grip
These are some of the things to consider when taking your grip.
Consider The Dart’s Center of Gravity
To find the center of gravity of your dart, you need to put the dart in your open palm. Now find the center of gravity by balancing the dart on the palm. After that, use your thumb to bring the dart to your fingertips. Make sure to keep your hand slightly behind the center of gravity.
Free Fingers Should Remain Open
Don’t try to close the free fingers into your palm. Make sure to keep them in an open position. Closing these free fingers may result in a restricted throw instead of a comfortable and fluid one.
Types of Dart Grips
We’ve listed some of the different types of dart grips below. You can choose one that suits your preferences and style.
One Finger and Thumb
Think of this grip style in the same way you’d use to grip a pen. It minimizes the number of touch-points and thus offers maximum control over the dart, which proves the finger and thumb grip to be quite effective.
Two Fingers and Thumb
The two fingers and thumb grip is one of the most common grips you’re likely to find among players, on both the Pro and Amateur circuit. A tip to remember when using this grip, is to try to move your thumb behind the center of gravity of the dart.
Three Fingers and Thumb
It’s this basic grip which provides a lot of control and balance while throwing the dart. This grip offers a lot of advantages when it comes to improving accuracy.
Four Fingers and Thumb
This grip style is achieved by placing four fingers on the top of the barrel. We find that this grip can seem a little awkward at first, especially if you’re more accustomed to the three or four finger grips. Nevertheless, it’s whatever makes you feel comfortable and delivers the best results, which should determine what grip you should choose.
How Do Professionals Grip Their Darts?
Below, Paul Nicholson reviews the dart grips used by the worlds top professionals, including: Michael Van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson.
Which Grip Should you Choose?
Since there is a variety of dart grips for you to choose from, making the right choice for you is the key to improving your game. That’s why you should take some time while experimenting with different types of dart grips to find the one that suits you best.
On the contrary, once you’ve found a grip that’s comfortable and works for you; it’s best to stick to this. We’d recommend choosing a couple of grips to begin with and practising each of them for at least two weeks.
