It's the competition element and fear of making a complete hash up of your go that got me. What helped me was adding the competition to my practice by playing against a virtual component in a dart app. Nerves may not go away but you will become more familiar with them.
@missiondarts yeah I used to use that one. But I like counting breaths. Counting each breath, up to 10. Then, starting again. Just keeps me calm, less complicated, and feels more natural. But defo a great shout.
I used to rap and some of my lyrics are still in my head. I made this amazing discovery and had the neurological effect explained to me: Reciting a rap or poem (silently) while playing darts can help players who struggle with nervousness during competition. By focussing on the recitation, the brain is distracted from thinking too much about the mechanics of the throw, which often disrupts natural movement patterns. This mental shift allows automatic, well-practised movements to take over, reducing the interference of conscious control. As a result, players can perform more instinctively and are better able to repeat their best training results under pressure. If you don't want to memorise a text, you can try the multiplication tables or any other sort of longer list as an alternative. However, I would only use this trick in the game until there is a natural flow and the nervousness is no longer too dominant. Otherwise it will wear off or you won't be focussed enough on the checkout paths over 300. And yes: breathing technique is the key when all the other preparations are done!
Being nervous kills my game so much. I get out to the adc events & big knockouts around my area as much as I possibly can but nothing seems to help. I played a game tonight where my overall 3da was 40 less than my first 9 average. It’s so tragic
I was expecting myself to play the same level as alone at home. And got frustrated when that didnt happen. Now i just go to have fun. And the nerves pretty much disappeared
what I found out that helped me, was to simply practice more. practice brings confidence in your own abilities. if I'm standing there playing against someone, and I have barely thrown a dart all week, how can I know if I'm currently in the form to beat that person?
We're all the same in my pub team, in the warm up before the games start we all hit tons and ton 40's etc and we call out to "not waste them" 😂 The moment it's GAME ON we all go to shit and hit 26's. I don't feel nervous but feel the tension I suppose
Physiologically nerves and excitement are indistinguishable by the human brain. The only thing that makes them different is your belief that its different. If you tell yourself that your nerves are instead excitement, your brain will believe it too
And that is just fear of making a tit of yourself so I guess that is the same feeling. At least with golf you can go for a club you are most confident with. Darts I'm not so sure I have a particular favourite one. Maybe put 1 different flight on and class that as favourite dart
I haven't been able to rid my nerves, but I fake it til I make it, in fact having a good routine has enabled me to still compete but I have to take my fitbit off my wrist because my heart rate still jumps up dramatically!
@@missiondarts That’s why I said 90% idk the actual numbers but a lot of players drink alcohol before/during breaks. But nobody ever mentions it and when they do and state this fact people get touchy for some reason
It's the competition element and fear of making a complete hash up of your go that got me. What helped me was adding the competition to my practice by playing against a virtual component in a dart app. Nerves may not go away but you will become more familiar with them.
Great point at the end. Fear/nerves and excitement feel very similar in the body and brain. Use that to your advantage.
Breathing techniques help. Keeps me calm and stops me overthinking
Box breathing a good one to use
@missiondarts yeah I used to use that one. But I like counting breaths. Counting each breath, up to 10. Then, starting again. Just keeps me calm, less complicated, and feels more natural. But defo a great shout.
I used to rap and some of my lyrics are still in my head. I made this amazing discovery and had the neurological effect explained to me: Reciting a rap or poem (silently) while playing darts can help players who struggle with nervousness during competition. By focussing on the recitation, the brain is distracted from thinking too much about the mechanics of the throw, which often disrupts natural movement patterns. This mental shift allows automatic, well-practised movements to take over, reducing the interference of conscious control. As a result, players can perform more instinctively and are better able to repeat their best training results under pressure. If you don't want to memorise a text, you can try the multiplication tables or any other sort of longer list as an alternative. However, I would only use this trick in the game until there is a natural flow and the nervousness is no longer too dominant. Otherwise it will wear off or you won't be focussed enough on the checkout paths over 300. And yes: breathing technique is the key when all the other preparations are done!
Being nervous kills my game so much. I get out to the adc events & big knockouts around my area as much as I possibly can but nothing seems to help. I played a game tonight where my overall 3da was 40 less than my first 9 average. It’s so tragic
Your routine makes you calm
Online darts is the best at home practise in my opinion.
I was expecting myself to play the same level as alone at home. And got frustrated when that didnt happen. Now i just go to have fun. And the nerves pretty much disappeared
Thats the secret, play like it means nothing
I would love a vid on cross dominant. I throw right hand, but am left eye dominant. Any tips?
great video guys
Get used to the ambience ;)
Thank you you’ve helped me soo much
You are so welcome!
what I found out that helped me, was to simply practice more. practice brings confidence in your own abilities. if I'm standing there playing against someone, and I have barely thrown a dart all week, how can I know if I'm currently in the form to beat that person?
Yep REPETITION
We're all the same in my pub team, in the warm up before the games start we all hit tons and ton 40's etc and we call out to "not waste them" 😂 The moment it's GAME ON we all go to shit and hit 26's. I don't feel nervous but feel the tension I suppose
How hard should you throw a dart?
hard enough to reach the board
Physiologically nerves and excitement are indistinguishable by the human brain. The only thing that makes them different is your belief that its different. If you tell yourself that your nerves are instead excitement, your brain will believe it too
6 pints before helped me when i played
Only 6
It’s like constant first tee jitters!
And that is just fear of making a tit of yourself so I guess that is the same feeling. At least with golf you can go for a club you are most confident with. Darts I'm not so sure I have a particular favourite one. Maybe put 1 different flight on and class that as favourite dart
Thumbnails great
Andy looks nervous. Edgar looks cold and he's missing his Mission hoodie 😂
@@scottyc6341 Who is Edgar? That's clearly Cole Palmer
@daniellock1896 😂
I had been playing for years, and I could never get rid of the nerves.
Same. I think a big problem is I've only played for a pub team where you only get 2/3 legs a week. It's not enough and it means more pressure
@Adam-zh4hm I have played in some big leagues in my area, and for reasons, I suddenly lost all confidence, and I gave up eventually.
I haven't been able to rid my nerves, but I fake it til I make it, in fact having a good routine has enabled me to still compete but I have to take my fitbit off my wrist because my heart rate still jumps up dramatically!
Drink
😂😂😂
Deep/breathing…..find a personal moment with a mirror, and talk yourself into what you want to achieve…..
Do a Jocky Wilson and do a pint of vodka before you play
ouch - a pint.......
@missiondarts according to a close friend of his via a documentary, this is accurate lol
Tip 5: Have a pint or 2 😂
Don't fart.
Great advice
More importantly,don't follow through !
Drink alcohol like 90% of the pros do
Does Luke Littler then?
@@missiondarts That’s why I said 90% idk the actual numbers but a lot of players drink alcohol before/during breaks. But nobody ever mentions it and when they do and state this fact people get touchy for some reason
Using foldable flights in 2025 is like using chopsticks. Makes no sense
Bounce outs. Most pros are still using folded.
Most?
@@missiondarts either most or moulded flights that look like folded. You have the answer as I've never been or will be a pro lol