3 Top Darts Coaching Tips from an Online Darts Coach

In recent weeks, my darts coaching calendar has been busier than ever, working with players of all levels; from casual pub enthusiasts to competitive league and tournament players. Over this time, I’ve noticed certain recurring issues that consistently limit performance.

The encouraging news is that many of these problems can be addressed even before formal training. Whether you attend in-person sessions or work with an online darts coach, understanding and correcting these fundamentals can dramatically improve your accuracy, consistency, and confidence at the oche.

Below, I detail three of the most common problems I observe during coaching sessions and provide practical solutions that you can start applying immediately.

1. Lack of Routine & Lateral Movement During Pick Up (Darts Coaching essential)

The Problem

A consistent pre-throw routine is one of the most overlooked elements in darts. Many players try to set their head position, foot placement, and body alignment while simultaneously raising the dart. This often results in slight changes to the body’s positioning at the oche; head, chest, and foot positions vary subtly from throw to throw.

These minor differences can have a major impact on accuracy and consistency. Players may notice their darts occasionally drifting left or right, or their timing and rhythm feeling off during match play. In competitive darts, even a millimeter of movement can mean the difference between hitting a double or missing entirely.

The Solution

Establishing a clear and repeatable pre-throw routine is essential. This should include:

1. Feet Placement: Begin by setting your stance consistently, ensuring balance and stability. The position of your feet determines the alignment of the entire body.

2. Body Alignment: Square your shoulders and torso toward your target. Small variations in alignment can affect your dart’s trajectory.

3. Head Position: Position your head directly over your target before raising the dart. This ensures your eyes are correctly aligned with the board.

4. Raise the Dart: Only after completing these steps should the dart be lifted into position.

By following this sequence, players create a foundation of stability. The throw becomes repeatable, which builds confidence and allows for more accurate scoring.

This is a cornerstone technique in my darts coaching, and it’s equally effective for those working with an online darts coach who can observe and guide your routine remotely.

2. Unwanted Rotation of Shoulders and Hips

The Problem

While many players focus on the arm, wrist, and elbow mechanics, even slight movement in the larger muscle groups, such as the shoulders or hips can disrupt the throwing action. Uncontrolled rotation often occurs during the push-through or release, introducing inconsistency in line and distance.

This rotation may be subtle and go unnoticed during casual play but becomes significant under pressure. Players may find their darts veering off target despite feeling that their arm motion is correct. Over time, this leads to frustration and difficulty in achieving repeatable throws.

The Solution - through Darts Coaching drills

Developing awareness and control of the shoulders and hips is key. Try the following exercise:

1. Focus Area: Choose either shoulders or hips for the session.

2. Short, Focused Practice: Spend 5–10 minutes throwing with the goal of monitoring movement in the chosen area. Ignore where the darts land.

3. Deliberate Control: Concentrate on maintaining stability and minimizing rotation.

This exercise improves muscle awareness and teaches your body to isolate the arm motion from the rest of your body. By practicing this regularly, you reduce unwanted movement, creating a smoother, more controlled, and repeatable throwing action.

This method is a core component of effective darts coaching, whether delivered in person or through an online darts coach, where slow-motion video analysis can help players visualize rotation they may not feel.

3. Neglecting Counting and Checkout Skills

The Problem

Counting and checkout strategy is an area where many players struggle. Even when aware of their limitations, players often fail to dedicate time to improve, relying heavily on charts, apps, or external tools.

A lack of familiarity with common checkout routes leads to hesitation during matches. Players may struggle to choose the optimal path, resulting in missed opportunities and lower scoring efficiency. For serious players, this can mean the difference between winning and losing in league or tournament play.

The Solution

Consistency is key. Dedicate short, focused periods to practicing counting and checkout routes:

1. Set a Schedule: Spend 5–10 minutes a few times per week on counting exercises.

2. Use Multiple Methods: Practice using charts, apps, or mental rehearsal. The goal is internalizing common finishes.

3. Focus on Preferred Routes: Identify your favored paths to finish a leg and reinforce them through repetition.

This approach builds confidence and reduces reliance on external aids. When your recall is automatic, you make quicker decisions and reduce hesitation in match situations. Players working with an online darts coach benefit greatly from this method, as guided exercises and virtual tracking tools make practice more structured and measurable.

Why These Fundamentals Matter

Focusing on these three areas pre-throw routine, control of rotation, and counting/checkout skills can dramatically improve performance.

• Short, consistent practice sessions can make your throw more repeatable.

• Improved decision-making leads to better strategic choices during matches.

• Confidence at the oche grows when fundamentals are reliable.

These are the same principles I teach through structured darts coaching programs and tailored sessions with an online darts coach. By prioritizing these fundamentals, players can take their game to the next level, whether practicing at home, in a league, or at tournaments.

Ready to improve your darts game?

Discover more about my DartsMatt Coaching programs and how an online darts coach can help you develop consistency, precision, and confidence in every throw.