How do you create FOCUS and MAINTAIN it ?

[Grey Owl]

What pointers do you have to create or maintain focus.

Do you create a Me vs Them ... do you temporarily dislike your opponent?

Do you think about how great you are ?

What works for you or others that you know?

[*Saber*]

I look at spots on the target - a shadow- a piece of sisal - at a dart already thrown ( the flight or point of the dart )

[guest2]

I try to do what the Japanese darters do while throwing. Smile. It's a way to loosen up.

And try to have fun as you play and enjoy every moment of it.

[ico]

Don't watch your opponent.

[guest2]

Don't watch your opponent.

Unless she is a pretty lady!

Yes that's true. Don't watch him throw and don't display any negative gestures that would motivate him more and destroy you.

[Banned]

I try to think of ANYTHING else but darts. I might look around the room and check out someone sneakers, see what everyone's drinking, check out the ceiling tiles, etc... I do pay attention to the scorekeeper if he's "friends" with the opponent. I don't need his 60's turning into 100's. It happens.

[Dorian]

I look at spots on the target - a shadow- a piece of sisal - at a dart already thrown ( the flight or point of the dart )

Ditto,

Clear the mind and try and tune out from the room and the noise.

Cheers

[Milkysunshine]

See. This is the hardest thing for me in darts. When I'm locked in, and it is do or die, I typically do.

but I find myself needing to try to focus on the game... or I just don't care. It is extremely difficult to do that dart after dart, game after game.

[Joene]

Well, i always say it is you against the board. What the opponent does doesn't matter for me. When thing are going bad i always try so say my technique in my head (keep your body still,and follow trough) most of the times that helpes me back on track.

[Grey Owl]

Thank you ALL for your your insight and help.

Saber: "I look at spots on the target - a shadow- a piece of sisal - at a dart already thrown ( the flight or point of the dart )" ... Target Focus 101 .. classic

Joene : "When thing are going bad i always try so say my technique in my head (keep your body still,and follow trough)" ... Solid Great Advice!

MilkySunshine: "When I'm locked in, and it is do or die, I typically do." ... Confidence Booster and Reality Check

Dorian: "Clear the mind and try and tune out from the room and the noise." ... I agree very important

Majeek: "Don't watch him throw and don't display any negative gestures that would motivate him more and destroy you. " ... Wow, very deep on several levels

Majeek: "I try to do what the Japanese darters do while throwing. Smile. It's a way to loosen up." ... mmm ... gonna try this ... sounds so logical

I used everyone of these this weekend and something else I picked up by happenstance .. I watched a sport themed movie called "When The Game Stands Tall" ... and took a helpful quote from the main character.

Coach Ladouceur: "We’re not asking you to be perfect on every play. What we’re asking of you and what you should be asking of each other is to give a perfect effort from snap to whistle.”

What I did this weekend was from myself was to "Give the Perfect Effort" for each and every dart.

These actually removed my previous anxiety and allowed me to get out of my own way. Resulting in an enjoyable and successful weekend.

Thanks to all my brothers and sister!