Oh consistency, where art thou?

Oh the frustration of it all!

The rollercoaster is truly in gear this week. At times I am throwing brilliant, to the point where I have thrown two 180’s this week. But I am still more often than not saying hello to the 1, or treble 1 on each visit. I’ll cast you back….

Saturday 8^th October

I am on the edge of my couch, watching the masterful Brendan Dolan manage his way past James Wade in the Semi-final of the World Grand Prix, the beautiful 9 darter and all. When it’s over, I head out to the board and start flinging a few. 15 minutes later and hitting a double is just too easy, and the first of this week’s maximum comes before I let a scream which does it’s best to wake the kids.

I was in the zone, very focussed, my pre-throw routine was solid and my mental game was good, as in my self confidence was quite high. I knew the dart was going where I intended, and what a feeling that is.

Tuesday 11^th October

And here it is, my first night throwing with the local club. I had talked enough about going for the last few weeks and it was time to just get out there. Driving down in the car, I was confident that my game was at a standard where I could at least compete with my fellow throwers.

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you; Self-doubt! It took all of one visit to the board for my darting world to collapse around me. But how can it be so fickle, I hear you ask? As one thrower said to me as I visibly oozed disbelief; “There is a huge difference between practicing darts, and playing darts.”

The night really opened my eyes; I am miles away from competing at this level never mind a professional circuit. I managed to hit a couple of trebles, one double in 10 attempts, and in general there was just no consistency in my game.

My hands were dripping with sweat, my routine was left at home and I was all too worried about the people watching me throw rather than focus on throwing the dart. But I am back next week, so I will be eager to see if I have overcome those original nerves to do myself justice.

I managed to catch up with Paul from www.dartsperformancecentre.com again, and he gave me some brilliant advice having listened to my feedback, and my practice since has been encouraging. I am learning that mental strength in this game is vitally important. News to me...

End on a high

Last night, I did manage another 180, partnered by a litter of 100’s and 140’s, so on a whole it has been a hugely positive week. The countdown to my date with Barney is truly on now, the sponsorship cards are out and the nerves have started already. Just two weeks left …

Thanks again to everyone who has been in touch offering support, advice etc. It is making this journey a lot more enjoyable. As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Be nice J

Cheers

A

My date with Barney

When I started this journey, all of three weeks ago, the dreams were big and the gap between the treble 20 and where my first dart landed was bigger. I had a roughly sketched route of development made out in my head, as you can see in my first post; focus on training and begin competing at my local club.

So why do I find myself facing the nerve jingling prospects of taking to the oche against none other that Raymond Van Barneveld in November? As in four weeks away, that November. Thanks to the local club, who are holding a fundraiser, I along with 17 others will pit their wits against the former World Champion. Once I got over the initial shock, and changed my boxers having soiled myself, I began thinking that this is probably the best thing that could have happened in terms of my journey to become a pro.

There’s Optimism and then there’s Stupidity

So I severely doubt I am going to beat Barney. Ok, so you can ask what is the point in playing him if you are saying that from the off. Instead of daydreaming about beating him, I really want to use this as a focus point for my practice. It’s time to knuckle down now and do as much work as I can in the next couple of weeks to just pressure him in the legs, and somehow trying to control my inevitable nervous twitch.

Practice is going fairly well, for a number of reasons. Before this week, I was thinking way too much about the throw, neglecting to let what feels natural just happen. I was worrying about my arm, elbow, fingers, grip etc. The speed, action and stance were other factors I was stressing over, and by the time it felt right, my arm was sore from holding it up for so long.

Now that I have an action I am comfortable with, and one that is helping me group the darts a whole lot better, I am starting to throw regular 100’s and the odd 140. I am still struggling with certain single numbers for some reason, like 11 for example. I just can’t hit it.

Aidan, you require 124

This was the highlight of the week for me. Having spent half an hour on a few different doubles, I started a leg of 501 and started with a 140. Following this up with 60 and a few poor visits, I managed to get down to 124. Consulting with my check out table, it told me to go T60, T16, D8.

So I hit the treble 20, and change my focus to 16’s. Ok, steady…. Damn I hit treble 8. I am gutted. I hadn’t managed a three dart checkout before this. Looking dejected at the board, I suddenly work out I have one dart at tops. Brilliant!!! Ok, go through the routine, take aim. BOOM!! Middle of the double, and I am elated.

To be honest, this nearly felt better than a maximum, with three darts needed in separate beds. Ok so technically, I missed the second dart, just don’t take this away from me. My game is definitely developing, which is keeping my motivational levels on a high.

Darts in Ireland 

It is a very busy time in the world of darts, with the Champions league underway, as well as the World Grand Prix taking place in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin next week. The tournament will take place about 20 minutes away from where I live, and never fails to attract the locals.

During the 2010 tournament, I was afforded the chance to interview every first round winner for local journalism duties. Taylor, Lewis, Barney, Painter, and eventual winner James Wade all spoke to me about their love for Ireland, this tournament and the manner in which they are welcomed year on year. Good luck to everyone next week, although I can’t see past Mr. Taylor reclaiming this one.

I am thinking about including Irish Darts news in the blog, so if there is anyone out there reading this that would like to submit any stories from your local club or would even invite me out to their club for a few legs, you can get me on twitter: @A_Farrelly  or email: throwlikeaprodarts@gmail.com   

I’ll keep you updated on my date with Barney preparations, and as ever if you have any tips or comments you have my contact details. Just be nice J

Cheers

A