The Perfect Darting Storm

Since my last post, a lot has changed. I have changed darts, stems, flights, pre-throw routine, grip of the darts, release point of the dart, stance on the oche. In other words... EVERYTHING. This was a makeover Gok Wan himself would have been proud of.

And only now can I truly understand why. See, I have spent the last three weeks really struggling with this game, and the complexity of it all. I lost all trust in my throw, I had no faith in myself; and all that was going through my mind was that if I change this, it might make my darts perfect.

Yes - I changed everything about my throw for one reason... to find that perfect dart. I have been so caught up in reaching a certain standard of throwing, that I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a leg of darts. I was getting frustrated when I missed a fat 20, and the only thing that I could think was to change in order for this not to happen again.

Time

If this journey is to be a true success, there are a couple of limitations that I need to come to terms with now if my stress levels are to be managed. No one just suddenly becomes a brilliant darts thrower, did they?

Over the last few days, I have really peeled back the layers and began to refocus. Changing everything did bring about some positives; I am back to the dart I started out with; it is still the shape and weight of the barrel that proves more fruitful than any others. And more importantly, it feels right. The commitment I need to make now is to stick with this dart for the next 6 months. REGARDLESS if I don’t hit one treble in that time.

Standards

I am speaking as if my darts are terrible at the minute, and in truth they aren’t. I have taken part in a couple of tournaments, and won some matches. The major flaw is simple; when I am throwing badly, I immediately change my throw. I have spoken before about the importance of mental strength in this game, and by god have I learned this the hard way lately.

The Darts Performance Centre has once again been crucially important in this process. Having someone to talk to about my struggles was imperative, as Paul was able to bring me back down to earth. As far as they are concerned, there are certain parts of a throw that are vital, and need to stay consistent if you are to improve.

So What Now?

I have made some realisations recently, and just incorporating these in to my approach are already helping my game.

1.      Pressure: It’s just for tyres. I have to take the pressure off my throw; I won’t win every leg, I won’t score 100 or even 60 every throw. And for now, that’s OK!

2.      Trust the Process: I have now found a throw that is working. I have scored many 140’s in my last couple of training sessions, and taken out some shots like 106, 111 and 124, so the routine I have now is working. It’s all about the fine tuning, so when I throw 26, 45 or even the odd 7, that’s OK! I just need to remind myself that this throw has worked before, and will work again.

3.      Give Every Dart A Chance: My third dart has more often than not landed where I want it, even if my first and second stray from the target. The ability to stay positive, even if the first dart lands in the 5 is vital from now on.

So that is where I am at right now. Everyone that I have been talking to lately tells me these mental slumps happen, and to embrace it rather than hide from it. I am the other side of it now, and ready to start winning some matches again.

Can’t wait for the World’s to start, but they won’t distract me from my own practice! Thanks for reading, and as always feel free to get in touch with your comments / advice.

Cheers,

A

My Darts distracted by … Darts

My Darts distracted by … Darts

There are some sports that captivate audiences at specific times of the year, in a way like no other. When Wimbledon is on, tennis courts around the country suddenly find themselves bulging with players. Snooker clubs can’t keep up with the bookings when it’s Crucible time of year.

For me, when any televised darts competition is on, it always tends to bulk up my interest in throwing. As a kid, I would watch the games on TV with great enthusiasm, and either between sets or at the end of a game, I would make a burst for my garage to throw a quick 501 before the coverage resumed.

Yeah right, sure another set on telly would nearly be complete before I check out, or hear a huge shout from Russ Bray that would entice me back to the couch. And this week has been no different, although it is hampering my own practice somewhat. It has however, been a very positive week for the dream, with a number of developments, big and small, moving me along nicely.

Ok, so I need help!

I am still a little shocked at the level of support I have received since starting this journey, whether it is through twitter ( @A_Farrelly ) or email ( throwlikeaprodarts@gmail.com ) . Fans, players and bloggers alike have been quick to offer tips, practice games and any other advice they feel will help my game and it is hugely appreciated.

The most important stepping stone came when Paul Gillings from The Darts Performance Centre (www.dartsperformancecentre.com) got in touch to offer the supports of his team of experts. I must admit, in just a couple of days, the benefits of their expertise in all areas of the game are already bearing fruit on my throw and something I would recommend to players at any level.

Over the weekend, I will be filming my throw for the guys to analyse, before they send back a complete report on their suggestions. This is just one of the many areas of development they focus on, as well as coaching, preparation tips for tournaments, nutrition, a training plan, goal setting and much much more. I look forward to delving deeper in to their library of resources.

Little changes

I can be a little finicky at times, changing small elements of my game every time I throw. Not good practice, I know. But I still feel like I am forming as a player, and want to be open minded about everything that could add to my game. I chose my double this week; well in fact Simon Whitlock actually chose one for me.

As I watched him in the Grand Prix, he was opening with D10. He was willing to sacrifice a higher number for a bed he was comfortable with, and as a lefty D10 seems to work very well for me. I will be aiming for tops first of course, but that is just so if I pull it low, I am left on a number I am comfortable with.

Practice is going very well; there is a structure now which I try to stick to routinely as more often than not it pays off. I start with hitting big 1-20, double 1-20 and treble 1-20. Then I start throwing a few legs of 501, or 301. I will be implementing a lot of Darts Performance Centre’s training programme in to my game as the weeks move along.

In two legs in a row, I managed to take out a 104 and 107 check out which was good, a long with a few 140’s. The magical maximum evaded me this week, but that’s ok. Next week is a landmark week; I am heading out to play in the club. I am itching for some competitive legs. I will keep the expectations low, hope not to embarrass myself and try and knick a few games while I am there.

I haven’t had a fight with the board for a while now, or at least when I do we can work out our differences there and then instead of me blazing off in fury.  That’s always a positive. I hate when we are fighting, just makes things awkward around the house.

Mr. Dolan

I must pay tribute to Brendan Dolan who has already had an emphatic week on the oche in Dublin. It has been a week of shocks so far, and no doubt they will continue as the double start continues to trip up the big boys. I went for Phil Taylor last week, and after his little scare, I still back him to take it down. The crowd was tame on Monday and Tuesday, but as I reassured Lenny Boyle, the Irish would wake up eventually.

I am picking up my sponsorship card for My Date with Barney tonight, so it is definitely happening. 5^th November. As milestones go, if a match against Barney can’t motivate me to practice, nothing ever will.

Cheers

A