Stance

[Darthlete]

I've been reviewing threads and instructional videos regarding stance incessantly over the last six months. Needless to say, there's a tremendous amount of inconsistency in advice. I get it, what works for some doesn't work for others, but I'm new and don't want to develop bad habits. One thing I'm currently lacking is a good mentor, so I need your help!

Here's my situation. I've tried very hard to study and follow certain techniques that seem common amongst the pros. Many pros stand perpendicular to the board. Common advice is to stand perpendicular to the board with your eye, the dart, and the treble 20 or bull in a perfect line (e.g., use the Sight Right). I don't know if my shoulder is messed up or what, but that is uncomfortable for me, and I find it difficult to keep my elbow in and arm perpendicular to the ground. I was terribly inconsistent. From there I messed around with a lot of different angles and positions on the oche. One night recently, I moved to the far right side of the line, and my game immediately improved significantly. I was shooting about a 55 average, I'm now shooting about 65. I've also found that I'm finding triples much easier, and those occasional great games are peaking higher than before. Most importantly, it is very comfortable and repeatable for me.

When I throw now I line up just inside the double 6, and my shoulders are at about a 70 degree angle to the board. Am I temporarily giving myself a boost, but severely capping my potential with this unconventional stance?

[Getagrip]

Some people will just be so uncomfortable with certain stances its really not worth trying to force your body into them so don't!

Look at the players like Barney and Hankey, they both have very smooth throws but both stand quite a way to the right Hankey in particular. I think you are better off practising they way your standing now as it sounds like its right for you, in time you will get better.

[gumbo2176]

Some people will just be so uncomfortable with certain stances its really not worth trying to force your body into them so don't!

Look at the players like Barney and Hankey, they both have very smooth throws but both stand quite a way to the right Hankey in particular. I think you are better off practising they way your standing now as it sounds like its right for you, in time you will get better.

Yeah, have a look at where Bunting stands. He is all the way to the right of the Oche when he lines up to throw.

I'm of the belief that you just have to find what is comfortable for you at the line since that is the first step in throwing darts. If that is not feeling right, how can other things go right from that point forward.

[brenthahn]

It also could be that by lining up to the right, you're giving your left eye a better look at things. Do you know which of your eyes is dominant?

[Darthlete]

It also could be that by lining up to the right, you're giving your left eye a better look at things. Do you know which of your eyes is dominant?

I'm right handed and right eye dominant.

[Darthlete]

Thanks for the responses. I'll watch some off the players you guys mentioned. Getagrip and Gumbo, your philosophy is where I'm coming from...why force it if it isn't comfortable or natural. The immediate, noticeable improvement sealed the deal. Appreciate the feedback.