Short answer: You get better at darts by combining three things consistently: daily targeted practice on fixed goals (typically T20, doubles and 19/16), a stable throwing technique with a steady rhythm, and a setup that suits you. Start with 20 minutes a day, focus on one element at a time, and use consistent darts between 22 and 24 grams such as the KOTO Sting Black 90%.
Getting better at darts is not a question of talent. The players who make progress are the ones who bring structure to their practice and know what to focus on. Throwing a few hundred darts a week at random segments achieves little. The same time, focused on specific goals, makes a real difference.
This article covers what actually works: practice structure, technical fundamentals, and the setup choices that lift your average. No vague tips, only what has proven effect.
Twenty to thirty minutes a day is more effective than three hours at the weekend. The brain builds motor memory through repetition with rest in between, not through one long session. A player who practises six days a week for thirty minutes will throw noticeably more consistently within three months than someone who only trains on Saturdays.
Focus matters more than duration. Twenty minutes of targeted practice on one goal sticks deeper than an hour of random throwing. Plan every session beforehand: which segment, which number, which distance.
Three exercises form the foundation for any darts player who wants to improve:
• Around the Clock: throw at 1 through 20 in sequence. Move on once you hit. Builds accuracy across all segments.
• 121 Checkout: practise fixed finishes from 121 (T20, T11, D14). Trains mental arithmetic under pressure and double hitting.
• Doubles Practice: ten darts per double, from D1 to D20. Track how many you hit and try to raise that number every week.
Track your scores in a notebook or app. Without measurement you have no way of knowing whether you are progressing.
A good throw consists of three fixed elements: stance, grip and follow-through. Place your dominant foot at the oche, with your other foot at shoulder width. Keep your upper body still. Move only your arm.
Hold the dart with three or four fingers, relaxed. Gripping too tightly disturbs the release. The wrist relaxes at the end of the throw and points towards the target. Follow-through is not optional: it keeps your direction consistent.
Film yourself during a session. Nine out of ten beginner mistakes are visible in two minutes of video: a shoulder that turns, a head that moves, or a wrist that breaks too early.
A good setup removes variables. You throw better when you do not have to think about your equipment. Three elements matter most: the weight and quality of your darts, your flights, and your shafts.
The KOTO Sting Black 90% is an affordable dart with a high tungsten content. The high percentage allows for a slimmer barrel profile. Slimmer darts take up less space in the triple, so the chance of bouncing off an earlier dart is lower.
The series is available in four shapes (Straight, Tapered, Torpedo, Bomb), so you can pick a profile that suits your grip. A solid choice if you are upgrading from 80% tungsten or brass and want to take your game more seriously.
Type: flights | Shape: No.6 (standard) | Material: flexible polymer
The Target K-Flex NO6 are flexible dart flights in the standard No.6 shape. The material flexes on impact instead of tearing immediately. When an incoming dart hits the flight of a previous dart, the K-Flex gives a little, reducing the chance of a bounce-out.
They last noticeably longer than standard nylon flights. For players who are starting to consistently hit the T20, this is a logical upgrade. Available at Dartshopper in black, red and other colours.
Type: flights | Shape: No.6 (standard) | Feature: lightweight design
The GOAT Air NO6 Dart Flights are lightweight dart flights in the standard No.6 shape. The lower flight weight at the back of the dart shifts the centre of gravity slightly forward, producing a flatter trajectory. Players who see their darts climbing too much in the last metre will notice the difference most clearly.
Suits darts from 22 grams upwards. With heavier darts the effect can become too pronounced and you may need to adjust your shaft length to find the balance again.
Under pressure you throw worse because your rhythm changes. Darts that normally land in the triple suddenly fly high or wide. The solution is a fixed routine: how many seconds between darts, where you focus your eyes, when you breathe. Train that routine during practice too, not only in matches.
Simulate score pressure by playing yourself against the clock. Give yourself one minute for three darts on a double. Artificial pressure in training makes real pressure in a match feel smaller.
