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There are some areas n the psychological/emotional side of darts where I know what I can or should do (even if I don't always), but in other area I am just not so sure.
One such area is in regards to playing with a partner.
It is two sides (I think) of the same coin and it goes like this..
If you are noticeably better than your partner, you will worry whether you are 'better enough, and feel a burden of responsibility in your shoulders.
If on the other hand you have a strong partner then the focus goes to worrying about letting them down.
If this was all in regards to an opponet, I know what to do, and that is simply focus on my own game and stay in the moment and not worry about what they do.
When it is a partner, and someone you want to have some sort of connection/engagement with, what do you do to get into the right head space?
Also what do you do(if anything) so your partner also doesnt worry about the same thing?
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Same as in a singles game, just focus on your own game - that's what I do in my leagues (they are pairs leagues)
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I could imagine this being a problem playing out at draws or tournaments. I only really play with friends at home, so if that happens we make fun of eachother and call eachother names. Obviously you can't do that when you're out unless its also with friends. I guess you just gotta try to play your best.
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Like already said, relax and just play your game. You only have control over your throw, so don't worry about what the other team throws, or what your partner throws. Getting too much in your head is a good way to ruin concentration.
If you are playing with a teammate, you should already know what to expect within a certain range as far as what he/she will throw. The only time that goes in the crapper is in a blind draw when you never know who your partner will be until the names are picked--------then just relax and throw your own game. Sound familiar???? LOL
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I always try to encourage my partner. Say things like "stick with it." or "You got this". "Here we go". I try to always be positive. It actually helps me to stay positive... which can be hard when my stroke is off and the match is going south in a hurry.
I played with a guy who is the #2 player in my city. He was at times hard on us if we didn't throw our best. And he kind of would let you have it sometimes. I didn't get his wrath very often cuz I made sure I was throwing at least my standard or somewhere close to it. But another guy heard it quite a lot. I never thought it did any good. I would always send a few encouraging words his way if things weren't going well. Darts is all mental and a positive attitude is a must. It's hard to do at times... but I fully believe it's necessary to win.
When playing doubles and I'm clearly the better player I sometimes feel pressure to perform. But with my partner I just take what he/she gives me and try to encourage them. I never get mad at my partner in that scenario. Even after some really bad darts. It does no good.
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I should think that your partner would be just as anxious as you not to let you down. Always keep talking, compliment him/her on a good shot and commiserate on the not so good. I always said to my partners to go for big 20s etc, there is always a chance for an occasional treble.
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I play on a league team with 5 players....me and another player are by far the strongest by a significant margin.
We play in a format where it's 10 singles games and then 10 doubles. The strong player and I rarely play together in doubles....I almost always play with the weakest members of the team.
I never get upset by the other player because I know their skill level...I don't expect miracles. The best thing to do is (like what heppy147 said above me) is to just stay positive the whole match. Just have the attitude towards your partner of "Do your best every round, that's all I ask." Often times they'll start shooting better...they're already feeling pressure to preform and not be a "burden" so you want to keep a positive energy. I'll often say things like "No need to be a hero...just see if you can get me into range of an out"....."Just focus on hitting a fat 18 to close that number....if you happen to hit it, point on the 20." Just keep it relaxed...no "The whole game is resting on you scoring at LEAST 50..don't let me down!!!"
As for playing with people that are better than you...just do your best and really focus on every shot. Most really good players will give you the benefit of the doubt if they see you're trying. If you hit two 5s in 501 and appear to just throw your 3rd dart away out of frustration, that will piss off a good player. Most good players have gotten where they are from years of throwing/practice. They've been on both sides plenty of times (being the good/poor player in doubles). Just do your best...instead of being laser focused on triples in 501/Cricket, try throwing at the fat number first and then try to group the other two. Most good players would be plenty happy if you're able to hit 40-60 pts per round on 501 or 2-3 marks in cricket. Just try to make every shot count/don't give up...that's all a teammate can ask for.
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Positive encouragement is always better than being negative all the time. As said, too much negativity only increases pressure and that's exactly what you want to prevent.
But, if you're partner is slacking or seems to be unfocussed a quick snap at him can get him back into his game. Just don't overdo it.
Cheers,
Red
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