Rolling Grip

[Rybro]

Hey guys. I am new here, I did an introduction about myself earlier today and I mentioned this problem.

When I hold my darts, my starting grip is completely different than my release grip. I basically roll my fingers/re-position them towards the back of the dart when bringing the dart back. Hope this makes sense?

The problem, sometimes I don't get a very good finger/re-positioning roll and my release grip is bad. The flight will hit off my fingers or I end up snatching (new word I found on here).

It is literally impossible for me to have a set grip and not do the roll/re-position. It feels very unnatural. I am hesitant to try and force myself to get a different grip, something more technically sound and consistent. Want to get a feel from everyone else.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it actually OK if it feels natural? It's a three year habit that would be hard to break, but if it really is a bad habit then I want to give it a shot. Help!?!? Having a mid life dart crisis because I constantly think about it while throwing.

[Dmott]

Adrian Lewis does it so I think you will be OK. CHeck out this video. He rolls it down his fingers and almost ends up grabbing the whole dart like you would a club or something.

[Jugger]

There's a couple pros that roll the dart. I can't remember off hand who, but I know I have seen it.

Have you tried a smooth dart? In theory, if there is no grip on the dart, the grip shouldn't change?

EDIT... there you go.. Lewis is one of them. He's done pretty well for himself

[Rybro]

There's a couple pros that roll the dart. I can't remember off hand who, but I know I have seen it.

Have you tried a smooth dart? In theory, if there is no grip on the dart, the grip shouldn't change?

EDIT... there you go.. Lewis is one of them. He's done pretty well for himself

I can't grip smooth darts, I keep trying to re-grip them while at the line. So I purchased some bottelson gorilla grip darts and it's been much easier to hold on to them. But it's starting to sound like my rolling grip is probably ok.

[Getagrip]

If you have been doing it that way for some time then it will be difficult to change but not impossible. I would say if your throwing well and doing it consistently then it wont be a problem. But if you feel its hampering your game then you will have to make a conscious effort to correct which may take some time.

I think what your doing is not totally unnatural as there is some players that do something similar and to me I think when your taking the dart from your feeder hand your not initially bothered about where your gripping it until you instinctively change it at the right point in your throw.

You would need to look at that position at the point of release and take note of your grip placement then try to make a conscious effort to take the dart out of your feeder hand and set that same position throughout your throw.

It wont be easy if you have been doing it a different way for so long.

But like I said, if your throwing well that way already then may be you should stick with it.

[Regulatori]

I roll a little but I don't really realize it. I just find it allows me to lock the dart into position so both fingers are in the correct spot.

I don't think it's something that's mandatory though...no need to complicate your throw if you don't have to.

[eammoncass]

mervyn king has his darts designed so it suits him when he rolls it prior to release, if it feels natural id use it as a point to work from and not something to alter or change, unless of course its adversely affecting your performance

[chauncygreen]

Andy Hamilton's darts look like big 'ole stogies and he rolls them back and forth in his fingers (just like you might roll a stogie) as he pumps and aims. Works for him.

cg

[Dartbuggy]

I can't really help you with this, but maybe I can help clarify things. I think there is some confusion about which way you are rolling the dart. Like eammoncass, I first thought of Mervyn King. I am a fan and use his darts so I have looked at his throw. He rolls down his thumb and up his index finger. (clockwise) This puts the grip points on the side of the dart instead of the top and bottom. I was interested to hear (and see) Dmott's example of Adrian Lewis rolling the dart the other way. Maybe you can clarify? I think you wrote because you are not having success with what you are doing. Make it more clear and I bet somebody here can help you find a grip that works for you.

I do know in my life in different endeavors I have had to relearn certain techniques that set me back for a good while, but paid off in the long run. Something to think about. Good luck whatever.

[Rybro]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think it is affecting my game negatively a little bit. Mostly in the consistency area. I threw a little bit last night experimenting. I think I am going to change a couple minor things...that will take awhile, but will be better in the long run.

[Del]

Mark walsh was another who rolled the darts

[ReggaeDarts]

What ever the fundamental Natural Feeling is...... Don't change that. It'll be the slight minor parts of Grip & Release that will improve your Throw.

Perhaps, a little reposition up or down the Barrel.... out of interest are you a Front or Rear Gripper, or a Middle Gripper?
Perhaps reduce the severity of Grip Pattern on the Dart, some times if it's too aggressive it could catch your fingers on release, or stay connected to your Fingers for that split moment too long on release... perhaps why you're experiencing the Flight catch your Fingers.

Another important note I will mention, which is rather important to a successful release...... Relax your Hand & Fingers.

And you must follow through, a complete motion forward of your Fore-arm and Hand, if you don't, as you've already discovered you will Snatch the Dart.

[ElusiveDouble85]

I roll the dart a bit on drawback before release and find that ao long as I make sure that my grip before drawback is sound then my release will be spot on as I roll the same amount each throw. It may be different for you, but something to consider as you try things out