I read with interest your story on changing your throwing style and sympathize totally with the sentiments and frustrations expressed.

I went through the same ordeal some years ago, and while I didn't need to set a date to change styles (this was forced upon me as you'll see shortly), I am eternally thankful that I did.

I used to stand facing the board with my body turned at 45 degrees to the oche and hold my dart somewhere above my right shoulder. Now we weren't playing for sheep stations (in fact I think I started playing in around division 7) and used to have around a 50/50 win loss ratio in match play. It wasn't until I had shoulder surgery on my throwing arm that I was approached by a Premier A division player while I was recovering (hours and hours of practice while the season slipped away)and was told that I'd never be able to throw consistent darts while using that style. Like yourself, my former style was something I'd just adopted when I first picked up a dart, but as this player explained the bio mechanics of throwing a dart to me, the benefits of changing soon became apparent.

After selecting a side on stance as opposed to a front on stance, the torturous process began. I laughed out loud reading your account of throwing off the board for the first time in years, or missing the number you're aiming at, not by one number, but drifting off by 2 or 3 numbers. It's very embarrassing when you're aiming at triple 20 but hitting double 12 or 9, especially when you know you would have at least put it close with your old style. Perseverance pays off in the long run though, and while I'm not as good a player as I'd like to be, my groupings are now a lot closer together, my averages are climbing, and consistency does not always mean consistently bad. I even have players from other teams telling me that my stance and throwing style are technically flawless and that with time and practice I may even get to where I would like to be....

I can only hope and take it one game at a time.

Cheers,

Craig

General Comments: Great site...really enjoyed the darting experience through the eyes of another!

From Sherilyn:

Thanks for your email Craig. It's always great to hear from other darters who have been through the same things and are striving to improve their game. Stay in touch and let me know how it's going! Shoot well!