The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.
~ Chinese Proverb
Edward Caissie
practicing habitual skills
Comments Off on Perfect Doubles
Doubling out in darts is one of the most important aspects of the game to practice and improve upon. There are several different practice routines you can find and follow. In this post I will describe what I call the “Perfect Doubles”. It’s not that these doubles are better than any others, each double is the same size as any other double (aside from the red bull), they just allow you more opportunities to get your out; and, although there are five perfect doubles on the board you can focus on the top three alone if you prefer.
These perfect doubles provide three chances to get out, one for each dart when you step up to the oche. Let’s use the 20 as an example:
- You throw at double 20; miss; and, get a single 20. You now have 20 left.
- You now throw at double 10; miss, and get a single 10. You now have 10 left.
- You still have one dart left to make the double 5 out!
Of course, if you miss the double and get something other than the single you targeted you will have to adjust what you throw next in game play. This practice is more about being able to throw at different targets around the board with each dart you throw.
The perfect doubles are (following the example above):
| Starting Double | Second Chance Double | Last Dart Double | |
| 1 | 20 | 10 | 5 |
| 2 | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| 3 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| 4 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
You might notice that the last two perfect doubles follow from the double 16 (8 and 4).
For clarity’s sake, the practice round goes along these lines: your first dart is at double 20; your second dart is at double 10; and, your final dart is at double 5. Ideally you will hit each double but if you miss carry on to the next target all the same. Repeat for each of the perfect doubles you want to practice.
Enjoy!
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Comments Off on First Throws
Almost everyone has their own method of preparation and practice for any game involving physical activity, including darts.
I thought I would share some of my habits as I get a bit more serious about the quality of my game. In this post I’ll describe my first throws when I step up to a dart board either in practice or before playing. Feel free to give them a try and let me know if they help your game.
This practice routine is a quick dozen throws you can do in a few minutes and should help you get in range for scoring and doubling out while also preparing to “diddle for the middle” at the beginning of the game.
Step up to the oche; get into your stance; and, prepare to throw.
- Throw three darts at the red bull, twice.
- Throw three darts at the treble twenty, twice.
- Throw three darts at the double twenty, twice.
- Throw three darts at the double sixteen, twice.
- Throw three darts at the treble sixteen, twice.
- End with three more darts at the red bull, twice.
There you have it. You’ve practiced some good scoring trebles; some common outs; and, you focused on the bull’s eye preparing you for the start of your game … or, a great out!
You’re ready to win!
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