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Darts Stance

The Darts stance is the position of your feet and body when throwing darts. There are many different body positions that darts players assume based on preference. So long as their feet remain behind the toe line or ‘Oche.’

Types Of Dart Stance

Many Darts players prefer to take up different stances, no matter what your skill level. It’s all down to what feels most comfortable for you. Some examples of the most common stances when playing darts include the following:

Angled Stance

angled stance

The angled stance features the throwers’ front foot turned at a 45-degree angle from the Oche. With the back foot placed about shoulders width behind.

The angled dart stance is the most popular stance used by players of all levels. Likely due to the increased level of stability and the angle of the body to the target.

Front Facing Stance

front facing stance

Both throwers’ feet point towards the toe line in the front-facing darts stance, toes first.

The front-facing stance is not the most common choice among players. Likely due to the lack of weight distribution between both feet. Which in turn affects the players’ balance and control while throwing.

Side On Stance

side on stance

The side on dart stance sees players stance with the entire side of their front foot against the Oche. With the back foot parallel to their front foot (see below).

The side-on stance is much more common than the front-facing stance, as they offer more balance and control to the thrower.

What Is The Oche?

The Oche or toe line is the floor marker which indicates the closest point at which players’ feet can be to the board. A player can lean over the Oche, but their feet must remain behind it while throwing.

Oche Distance from the Dartboard

The Oche should measure 7 feet 9.25 inches from the front of the dartboard and the toe line. Whereas a soft tip dartboard should measure 8 feet from the Oche.

Oche Distance from the Dartboard for Wheelchair Users

If a player requires a wheelchair to throw darts, the distance remains at 7 feet 9.25inches. Yet, the height of the dartboard lowers to 4 feet 6inches.

What to Consider While Assuming Your Stance

There are a couple of important things to remember when assuming your stance. These include the following:

How Far Away From The Dartboard Do You Stand?

You should stand 7 feet 9.25 inches away from the dartboard. You should find this distance marked on the floor, usually by a line or wooden block.

Do Not Step Over The Toe Line

Ensure that no part of your foot is over the toe line while throwing a dart. Once the dart hits the board, only then can you step over the Oche.

Can I Lean Over The Toe Line When Throwing Darts?

Any part of the throwers’ body can lean over the toe line. Yet, the throwers’ feet must remain behind the toe line while throwing.

Most players choose to lean over the toe line to reduce the distance between them and the board. Yet, leaning too far forward can affect your balance, reducing the control over your throw.

Lunging Forward When Throwing Darts

It’s common to see less experienced players lunge forward as they release their darts. As they think it’ll add power to their throw.

Yet, the opposite is true, as lunging forward while throwing will affect the flight path of your dart.

The Position Of Your Back Foot

Not only does your back foot act as a balance. The positioning of your back foot affects your body position relative to the target.

For example, if you find that you’re pulling your throws to the left. Try repositioning your back foot further to the left. This helps to square your body up at the target.

Weight Distribution Between Your Feet

Particularly for the side-on and angled dart stance. You should feel as though around 75% of your body weight is on your front foot.

Still, it’s important to find a stance that makes you feel most comfortable.

Body Posture While Throwing Darts

Leg Position

While taking your stance, your legs should be hip-width apart.

Your legs should also remain straight during your throw. Keeping your legs straight helps you to maintain a stable base during your throw.

You should feel as though around 75% of your weight is on your front foot, with your back foot helping to provide balance.

It’s also acceptable for you to raise onto your toes, on your back foot. But, it should never leave the floor entirely.

Body Position

Your body positioning should be solid and upright, not slouched. The shoulder of your throwing arm should be in line with your hip and leading foot.

Depending on whether you’re right or left-handed, your chest should face off to the side of the dartboard.

Arm Position

While taking your stance, your elbow should point out in front of you towards the target, while your upper arm is almost parallel with the floor. Your upper arm should remain still and close to your chest until you release the dart.

Your forearm should be at a 45-degree angle to your bicep. Then fully extend upon throwing the dart.

Click here to read more on: How to Throw Darts

Tips to Improve Your Dart Stance

We’ve put together a couple of extra tips to improve your dart stance below.

Line Up 

When assuming your stance, first ensure that you’re lined up straight onto the dartboard. Lining up on a different line each time can affect the level of accuracy and consistency of your throws.

A good tip is to draw an imaginary line down from the bullseye to the floor, then along the floor to your leading foot. Do this each time you assume your stance, and you’ll see your consistency improve.

Be Comfortable

Assume a stance that is most comfortable for your game. If you’re a beginner, my advice would be to practice throwing a set number of darts using each stance. Then find one that works best for you.

Maintain Your Balance

Remember, don’t substitute your balance for the sake of leaning too far over the toe line.

When taking your stance, you should feel that no more than 75% of your body weight is on your leading foot. Your back foot should never leave the ground, ever upon release of the dart.

Conclusion

Your darts stance is one of the most important parts of your game.

Master your stance, and you’ll notice your consistency and accuracy improve considerably.

But, as with any sport, it comes down to your willingness to practice and improve.

Michael Fielding

Michael Fielding

Michael has been playing Darts for more than 20 years and is passionate about helping others improve their game through his own experiences.