Throw and follow through.

[ThunderEagle]

I know everyone needs to find what works for them. Having said that, I would guess that there are some generic "good form" ideals that everyone should be aware of, and that is what I'm looking for.

Well, what I'm looking for is some consistency. I think where I'm breaking down is in my draw back and follow through. At times it seems effortless and I'm just nailing the spots I'm aiming for. Other times I'm left perplexed.

I'm trying to figure out a comfortable, repeatable throw.

Right now these are some of the things I'm working on, I'd like feedback if I'm thinking about the right things, or if I'm off base?

So, first, the grip. I do a 2 finger, thumb and index, grip, with a little underneath support from my middle finger. I grip at the rear of the barrel. Naturally, I want to lay my index finger over the top of the barrel, but I've discovered that I tend to push the dart down and left if I'm not careful. Upon closer inspection, when I didn't have a problem, it was when I rotated the dart in my fingers on the draw back to where I had thumb and index finger on both sides of the barrel. I'm now trying to start in that position and not have to rely on the spin to get proper alignment. This doesn't always feel comfortable and natural, but I think is manageable.

Next, I have a tendency to not fully bring the dart back, which results in a sort of short arming the throw.

Next issue with the throw, and this goes straight to follow through, is kind of releasing the dart early, and almost jerking my hand backwards, kind of feels like shot-putting the dart.

The last thing with follow through. I can get a good arm follow through, a reasonable good throw, but not nailing my target. This is just a single 20 vs a treble, and not necessarily a single that is close to the treble. It seems like on my dead perfect throws, as well as a follow through with my arm, I also have a follow through with my wrist.

This last bit is really what I want to explore further. Is this "proper" form, or should I be looking to have my hand/wrist still throughout the throw?

[*Saber*]

wrist should be cocked and upon release snapped forward.

[ThunderEagle]

wrist should be cocked and upon release snapped forward.

That is what I'm seeming to find my most success with, now to just get it consistent.

[*Saber*]

thats called practice lol

[Canada Ton]

A good practice for this is to shoot at double 20's. It is a natural feel to following through.

[*Saber*]

absolutely- makes u extend your arm and follow through.

[Getagrip]

Don't grip the dart too tightly too, although we refer to it as a grip you really should be holding it just enough to keep control but not so heavily that you cant release it cleanly, its something I have had an issue with in the past but if you hold it just light enough you should be able to feel the weight of the dart as you throw it Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[Dorian]

wrist should be cocked and upon release snapped forward.

That is what I'm seeming to find my most success with, now to just get it consistent.

I would just like to add a few small points to hopefully enhance the great advice given already that I've found works in my technique

My grip uses the index finger laid along the barrel as its pointing to the target on release. When my wrist is 'locked' and I'm aiming the next thing I focus on is a straight drawback (slow your action down and really check this out). If you can keep your head, shoulders rock solid this will be a great help in your consistency (make sure your head is actually in a comfortable position).
This can only be achieved though if your stance is fully balanced. I see so many people at my club give that 'little jolt' forward at the point of release and its so variable. Now this could be a result of a few things like holding the dart too tightly, or they're leaning too much or too little, they may be throwing too hard or too soft but commonly, I can see its a poor stance that makes them feel unbalanced.
With regards to your release if you've got the rest right, your brain will calculate the release point without you thinking about it too much just make the draw and follow through are as smooth as possible.

Good luck and please keep us up to date with your progress. Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.


Cheers

[Regulatori]

Sometimes a good way to break the snatching or pulling back after release is to stand further back behind the oche....find a spot that forces you to have follow through in order to get the dart to reach the board/semi-accurate. You'll find a spot where you HAVE to extend your arm all the way out after the throw to get enough snap on the release/so the dart makes it to the board.

Don't do this if you have a board in a nice area of your house though...or dogs/cats present.

[ThunderEagle]

I may have had somewhat of a breakthrough/ah-ha moment last night practicing. I seemed to get in a repeatable throwing motion that allowed a fairly sustained level of accuracy. I'm not ready to take on the world, but it instilled a level of confidence in my throws.

Now I need to fine tune it a bit, and make it even more consistent.

[Getagrip]

Just keep doing it and then it will become ingrained.

[*Saber*]

good stuff here guys.

[Leaky]

Biggest thing is muscle memory, unfortunately doesn't happen over night. Practice, practice, practice. Do not get discouraged, as in anything, you will have good days and bad days, keep the same repetition. What helped me was remembering and even saying to myself practicing in my mind, slow and go. Wrist cocked back, then slow back motion and go, straight and follow through to the target.

Once you feel comfortable with your throw and are finding a general grouping focus now start to really focus on your target. Trust what you have been practicing regarding your mechanics and start concentrating on that spot. Best of luck and stay positive throughout. Don't get down on yourself, you are always going to have bad days and periods, just keep focusing on how you are improving! Best of luck

[*Saber*]

I know when I start shooting trip 5's and 1's I will switch to double 20's to get my follow through back in line.

[ThunderEagle]

Well, part of what sort of triggered for me, was FULL extension of my arm, as well as having my hand/fingers pointing at the target when I'm done.

Of course part of that is a good pull back of the arm, and keeping the dart straight in my grip. It resulted in a better than average practice session at doubles last night. We'll see if I can keep it going today. Not long now before our lunch time matches.