Warm up routine

Hi Gang

We left off on my last dart tip back in July with figuring out what level you fell into, and practising effectively for that level. Level 1 was your basic occasional player. There is really no need for practice if you just enjoy throwing some arrows every once in a while socially, usually involving a cocktail or 2. Level 2, you have joined a local league. Congratulations! You have some passion for the game and I thank you!!! Level 3 means travelling short distances to small tournaments. Beyond that is up to you!

All levels, this is my standard warm-up / practice routine for everything. I generally throw nothing but 20's (or at the bull soft tip) for about 10 minutes. More than anything, this gets the wheels greased and your arm loose. Focus more on your extension and follow-through in this time, and not so much on where the dart is going. Remember, you are only loosening up. I will then spend the next 5 or so minutes picking off cricket numbers. Start at the 20's and move to 19, 18 etc. finishing on the bull. Then spend a few more minutes working on the most common out shots.

Level 2 will want to focus on getting all 3 darts in the 20 segment before moving on to 19 and so on. Then for your out shots work on your D16, D8, D4, D20, D10 combos. Score all 3 darts; don't move to another double outshot until you hit the one you're going for in 3 darts.

Level 3 will want to score 5 or more marks on the cricket numbers before moving on to the next. Your 01 outs to warm up on should be 41 80. Any order or any out in that range is fine. You should be keen on hitting your set up darts as well as your doubles in this routine at this level. Focus on your single dart set up shot as if it were a double. Missing that fat 12 into a 9 on 44 just cost you one extra dart at a double. MANY matches are lost this way. Trust me, I know all too well LOL

Above level 3, I think it's obvious I want you to hit 7+ marks on the cricket numbers before moving on, and random 3 dart outs just to get you dialled in on set up and tripping before taking a shot at the double ring. Further instalments of my articles will include much more vigorous practice routines for all levels. I use this basic warm-up routine for just about any situation. It's a quick 15ish minute exercise to get you loosened up and dialled in on the board. From there you can start league, play in a tournament, or get into heavy practice off of this warm-up session.

See you soon!

Scotty B