Early vs late release

[ranger86]

Question. I see a lot written about lengthening your stroke when you throw. I have seen this touted as releasing your dart closer to the board, allowing for greater control, etc.

However, after watching a slow motion video of Phil Taylor throw (and I know he isn't human), he releases the dart when his forearm is barely past verticle. This is relatively early in the throw.

It makes sense to do what comes naturally and what works best, but I am curious as to the benefits/problems with either method.

[Adams]

I believe I release close to or slightly after that same point, though I’ve never seen a video of myself shooting. I know that if I release much later, my dart ends up lower on the board than I wanted it.

[Regulatori]

Yep, I saw "early release" in the title and immediately thought of Taylor. He seems to be the only one that does this.

When most pros have a vertical forearm, they're just getting ready to release the dart...Taylor will start to release it before his arm goes vertical.

I made this a few weeks ago but it seems fitting for this thread. You can see Taylor's hands opening up at this point while the other pros are still holding their darts.

Broken link(s) removed

[The G]

Yes, when Taylor's toss is shown in slow motion it shows he has a premture release. Followed by a great follow through I might add.

   

[guest2]

I'm trying to review PT's throw in his video.



I can't seem to agree he was doing early release. It's just a full flexed continuous motion follow through being shown and the look at his fingers giving the impression that dart is released early. (see 2:28-2:30)

[Getagrip]

I think your getting follow through and release point a little mixed up, the release is something unique to each person as with anything else and its another aspect that you will have to play with and find which is the optimum point to let go for you, but too early often means the darts will go high and too late means you will drag it low.

The follow through is what happens after you let go and is the completion of your full stroke to the end. You could release the dart pretty much as soon as you start the forward motion but your arm and follow through will still continue.

Now I have watched Taylor and notice that he does indeed release quite quickly and I have actually been trying a slightly earlier release myself recently with some success, I think I only started it because my darts were dropping low but I dont have a very forceful throw so I think the slightly earlier release is compensating for my lack of power.

[BigE]

I find it odd that one would consider release timing as something you believe you can control. MVG said when asked when he releases: "I don't know".

I believe this is perhaps the worst thing you could possibly think about. Yes, you may wish to think about curing a wobble occurring from a push on the dart, or a spin off your fingers, but not release timing.... you can't change that without changing the rest of your stroke. Phil Taylor has different release timing because he has different mechanics. They all do.

[ranger86]

Good points all and thanks for the feedback!

[Getagrip]

I find it odd that one would consider release timing as something you believe you can control. MVG said when asked when he releases: "I don't know".

I believe this is perhaps the worst thing you could possibly think about. Yes, you may wish to think about curing a wobble occurring from a push on the dart, or a spin off your fingers, but not release timing.... you can't change that without changing the rest of your stroke. Phil Taylor has different release timing because he has different mechanics. They all do.

To some extent your right it should happen naturally but its one of those things that is often overlooked for the same reason and it is the part of the throw that I think you "feel" mostly, almost instinctively it will just happen but when there is a problem its also something worth investigating. Its all timing and rhythm etc, but unless your a natural who is good at those things instinctively I guess people will scrutinize everything about their technique, which is why its a vicious circle and you can then start overthinking things, who said darts was easy! Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[guest2]

Is the release (by PT) the same too as when he aims for the bottom numbers?

Yes I agree release should come out naturally

[Black Dog]

Have a look at this one, he let's go very early just at eye level..

[BigE]

Same here, with totally different mechanics...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkCbpUjRNyA

what does that say?

Getagrip: Yes, people scrutinize the wildest things. IMO, release timing is one of them.

Unless you have the notion that there is a "perfect throw", then it is impossible to suggest to anyone exactly when the release ought to happen in space and time. There is but one thing you can say about release timing.... too late it's low, too early it's high. (Actually, way too early, and it won't make it to the board.... so there is a dependency on acceleration as well..... dependency on the "weight" of the throw)

People usually say "more weight" ( ie harder/faster ) or "less weight", as that is something far easier to control. But no one that I am aware of has such body awareness that they remember the previous throw well enough to repeat exactly, except for a correction of release timing. Even MVG, the world #1 says "I don't know" when asked when to release!!!

I seriously think you'd have to be superhuman if you're actually able to throw exactly the same as the last shot, but focus on a release that is just a bit later to bring the dart down 1/4".

K.I.S.S. : just follow through. Direct all movement to the target.

[BigE]

To me, Taylors "throw" is more of a push. I think he actually says something like that in his DVD. Something like "push a feather" to the board..... Seems that what he loses in economy of movement, he gains with a shorter flight path. I suggest that this works better with heavier darts.

Of course, I could be entirely full of crap, and the elbow is allowed to do what it wants while the dart is accelerating. My view is that the elbow stays quiet, and you release at some point that the arc of your hand makes. Once released, a good follow through ensures that your entire arc was sound.

Or, it's a small version of shot put.

Did you notice that the tip of the dart is down on Part's throw as well? His throw is the one I am more familiar with, having played with Part in the late 80's and early 90's when he was just a punter like me.

[Getagrip]

If I could throw half as good as Taylor I think I would be twice as good as I am now Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

But Taylor has a throw that makes me think he has deliberately worked out everything to be super efficient and accurate, I could be wrong but his throw looks more manufactured than natural, I am sure there is some elements of his natural technique still there but I just get that feeling its something he has tweaked and perfected through his many hours of practice, but he is very good at knowing what works right for him and so dedicated and diligent in his practice through the years that I think he was always destined to reach that level regardless of what natural ability he had to start with.

[BigE]

20 years ago, I was told not to do that. I was told to manufacture a throw with a dead still elbow. It's very possible that Taylor's throw is his natural throw.