I didn’t lift a dart on Sunday. Was this a good decision? I am not too sure. I was tired on Sunday, and the way I felt, if I went throwing with a lacklustre attitude, chances are I would end up getting frustrated and it could do more harm than good. So it was Monday night before I stepped up to the oche, and practice went well.
Tuesday is my night in the club, and genuinely I considered this more important than a one leg encounter with the Dutchman. I needed to refocus again, and prove to myself I can continue to develop without such a milestone to look forward to. I was a little late to the session, which meant I was thrown straight in to a leg which almost brought me to tears with such shoddy darts being thrown on my behalf.
Two out of Three Aint Bad!
Never take experience from a man who takes his name from a dinner dish! This post has two main pillars; one of extreme frustration followed by one a little more encouraging. Here is the frustrating one…
Once I warmed up the hands, I had started to find my groove against some of the best players in the club. We were playing doubles, and to say my partner and I were underdogs against any other pairing would be a whopping understatement.
Between the two of us, we were managing to stick with our opponents, and in our second leg, we were left with 156. Before I stepped up to the oche, I had a little word with myself; ‘Aidan, you are going to take this out!’ Simple right? I followed my pre-throw routine perfectly, and what do you know the first dart nestles in the treble 20.
Ok, now to add a second. Easy peasy!!! I am conscious now that my fellow throwers have fallen silent, their way of offering me their respect. I have had opportunities of a three dart check out before, and have failed to compose myself on the third dart, so I made sure to take my time as I took aim at the Double 18. Then, well the best way I can describe it is my left hand took a life of it’s own and flung the arrow an inch wide of the mark.
Three Dart Checkout, Take Two
So once I got over this, I had another attempt minutes later to redeem myself somewhat. With 103 on the board, the plan was to hit Treble 20, Single 3 for Tops. First dart… Treble 1. Ok, 100 left, lets hurt this 60. And I hit it. Now, for the love of god COMPOSE YOURSELF MAN!!!
Its official, I hate wires. I didn’t just bend it on the Double 20. My dart did it’s best to break the wire altogether. I was sick, so annoyed with myself but was soon made up when I turned around to see everyone praising a ‘very good effort’.
Great Expectations
This is an interesting point, and has left me pondering for days now. I used to wonder why the Pro’s would look physically ill if they hit a fat 60 instead of a 100 or 140. In at least four separate legs on Tuesday, I hit three or four 60’s in a row with my three darts. Missing out on the treble, I couldn’t stop myself voicing my frustration. This is surely an encouraging sign?
If you had told me two months ago that I could reach a level of consistency where three darts were reaching the same bed, I would have literally snapped your hand off. Now, I have come to expect more. I want that treble each time I throw, and when the darts land high or low of the bed, I am disappointed.
Switch the Goalposts
Now my date with Barney has passed, it’s time to set some new, realistic goals for the coming months. I don’t want to become stagnant in my throw, and feel it is vital to work towards something in order to develop.
1. Singles Tournaments
I need to get out and play some tournaments. Even if I am knocked out in the first round every time, the benefits of preparing both mentally and physically would be extremely positive.
2. The elusive 180!
I still haven’t managed to hit a maximum in the club yet. I have scored some 140’s, but am becoming desperate to hit a 180 in a real game scenario.
3. Stay on for four or more games in the club
As it is winner stays on in the local club, the most I have won in a row is two games. I want to double that, as it will show my concentration skills are improving for longer games in tournament scenarios.
Two weeks ago, I had a quick look at my three dart average during a practice session at home. I marked it at 55, and when I did the same a couple of days ago, it had risen to a little above 60 over 15 legs. As always, any improvement is always welcomed.
Thanks for reading, and as always your comments and advice is appreciated. You can find me on twitter: @A_Farrelly or email: throwlikeaprodarts@gmail.com
Cheers
A
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