To Pause Or Not To Pause

[The Big Dogg]

The last few season's I have had a very fluid and smooth action, up through the 3,bull,20 back to the eye and go. All in one motion. Really enjoyed the act of throwing whilst the odd 1 and 5's in there mostly good scoring and great 2-3 dart outs.

After reading a few articles and embarking on Flight School I introduced a pause at the end of the pull back this season. It is always expressed as being very important and I wanted to move my game on. At the moment I'm 7 and 0 this season and never done that before, but I'm just not enjoying the act of throwing. I am hitting 80-100 alot more consistantly but the 140,180 shots are disappearing. As are the momentum outs but the single dart outs are better. This pause also seems to be causing a bit of elbow pain and I'm sore in the morning after play. My previous throw would allow me to play 5-6 hours without any probs.

Was moaning on Monday night to a team mate about not enjoying the feel of my darts this year. He said a few of them had noticed that I look a bit snatchy now and not as smooth as last season. But in the end he said your winning aren't you?

So what do my fellow Nutz think, play through this and keep the pause or get back to normal and enjoy throwing again and sacrafice some of the consisitancy in winning?

[Getagrip]

I think its possible the pause can also give you a little extra time to allow over thinking to creep in which in turn could affect the outcome of your throw, but its possibly something you could work through but I think I would give it a little longer first and see how it works out then if no good go back to your old style.

[grebber]

I try to pause but if I do I lose all my power. It's weird. If I stop then throw its all I can do to make it to the board. And I'm no small fella

[Banned]

Do whatever comes natural to you. The wins and losses mean nothing really. Maybe last year you took a few losses but had a 70+ average. This year you may be undefeated but have a 65 average? (those are just guesses for the sake of the post)

When you start doing things that are unnatural, bad things will develop down the line. Then over time you will "forget" what your natural throw was. Just let things flow man.

[Golgo 13]

I think you should stick with it, at least for the rest of the season. It may seem a lot more natural by the end of the league.

Tweaking your throw isn't an easy thing and sometimes it can just take a little getting used to.
You're winning and if get more confidence in your new action the scoring and finishing can only improve, can't it?

[jimdandy]

Originally my throw used a 'short' pause with the dart at my cheek, came a time I couldn't let it go from that position....Dartitis !!! No pause for me now...J.D.

[*Saber*]

Do whatever comes natural to you. The wins and losses mean nothing really. Maybe last year you took a few losses but had a 70+ average. This year you may be undefeated but have a 65 average? (those are just guesses for the sake of the post)

When you start doing things that are unnatural, bad things will develop down the line. Then over time you will "forget" what your natural throw was. Just let things flow man.

what he said

[The Big Dogg]

Thanks for your opinions guys much appreciated. After 2 great feeling practice sessions throwing naturally again I'm a happy bunny. Even if it was only against the wife a few 180's and a 106 and 111 finish firmly put a smile on my face. Darts away now for a night in the pub and our village xmas fair...

All the best

[Getagrip]

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[ReggaeDarts]

Throw Happy Darts, man.... got to be Happy on the Oche.

I pause, ever so subtle, but I do incorporate one before a release my forearm forward.

[Adams]

I can only echo what’s said above --- doing whatever feels most natural, feels best and works best is the way to go, but I’ll throw in one other thought. If a specific technique causes the onset of some specific type of chronic pain, be very careful about using that technique. The repetitive stress of throwing darts can cause chronic pain and damage that can become disabling. Watch out for chronic pain resulting from a specific technique. It’s a message that you’re doing something that you need to either change or avoid doing. Ignoring chronic pain or trying to suck it up can result in a time out that stretches into months.

[Vambo]

I find if I pause when bringing the dart back before throwing it seems to negate the initial aiming, therefore I try to keep the dart moving from start to letting go. Ultimately if you are happy then there can only be good times ahead!

[Dartbuggy]

I can only echo what’s said above --- doing whatever feels most natural, feels best and works best is the way to go, but I’ll throw in one other thought. If a specific technique causes the onset of some specific type of chronic pain, be very careful about using that technique. The repetitive stress of throwing darts can cause chronic pain and damage that can become disabling. Watch out for chronic pain resulting from a specific technique. It’s a message that you’re doing something that you need to either change or avoid doing. Ignoring chronic pain or trying to suck it up can result in a time out that stretches into months.

I was trying some stuff that was killing my arm, if it hurts, that should be a clue.

I find if I pause when bringing the dart back before throwing it seems to negate the initial aiming, therefore I try to keep the dart moving from start to letting go. Ultimately if you are happy then there can only be good times ahead!

I prefer a waggle. I need a back stroke to see the line. Because of a broken elbow, my arm will not straighten completely and I can not follow through to the extent that others do. I find making sure that my wrist flops over is a good way to avoid the snatches, and it works for accuracy. But because my follow through is shortened, I compensate by using a shorter backswing. A little waggle, a few quick back and forths is optimum for me. I can't imagine dartitis. Watch Barney. Relax in your throw. Do what feels good and smooth. Ditch the pause.

[The Big Dogg]

Didn't have much practice over the weekend so put a few hours in before league last night. I'm glad to say the "pause" is well and truly ditched. Thankfully before I forgot what my natural throw was like. And I have to say I played a stormer... It may have been the extra practice but it felt real nice on the oche with arrows in hand....Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[Dartbuggy]

Didn't have much practice over the weekend so put a few hours in before league last night. I'm glad to say the "pause" is well and truly ditched. Thankfully before I forgot what my natural throw was like. And I have to say I played a stormer... It may have been the extra practice but it felt real nice on the oche with arrows in hand....Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

I hope that continues to work for you. I have no credibility for giving advice as you are way beyond me, it just seemed that if you were hitting tons more consistent it was because you were becoming more consistent regardless of the pause. Maybe the pause was enough interruption of your rhythm to bump one dart out of the treble? Anyway, best of luck to ya.