Well the time has finally come (I knew it would) and after the best part of a year using 23g Adrian Lewis darts I am at my wits end and my confidence is shot.

Up until a couple of weeks ago I was very happy, pretty consistent and really enjoying them but this last couple of weeks, aside from an hour or so here and there practicing I am really struggling with them - its almost like I am beaten before I start playing.

Well after switching darts last year (and the year before! Gone from 22g Beatons - 23g Triple B's - 23g Lewis' in 3 years) I am trying really hard to stick with the darts (have 3 sets!) and change my grip or maybe even change my set-up.

Quite against changing the set-up as I have loads of short nylon stems and standard flights, same set-up as Lewis uses and I guess the darts were designed around that set-up so I think the change of grip will be the best option.

First results were positive, holding the dart further back seems to keep them straight but as with new darts, I am wondering if there's a honeymoon period with a new grip or new set-up?

Anyone else prefer to tinker with their grip, stance or set-up rather than just get new darts when your confidence is low?
After all, new darts is a new start, all the negativity of the old set are instantly wiped clean with the package landing through the letterbox aren't they?

Cheers,
Greg

whoa sounds a little like me. Its not ya darts Greg, I can tell ya that much from experience. Its for me not focusing like I should really. I think thats part of me Mardle drift to be honest. Which will work itself out with focusing more IMO. Good luck and keep us informed pal.

I think larry's spot on, I'm experiencing the drift right now and think it comes down to lack of focus. I'm gonna beat it and stick with my darts.

USMC80 wrote:

I think larry's spot on, I'm experiencing the drift right now and think it comes down to lack of focus. I'm gonna beat it and stick with my darts.

I'm with you Mac on this one. I use the McCoy Sabers and the Target Sport Extremes and shoot the same with both really. So am sticking with those 2 for now.

I can appreciate the idea that new darts will give you a "clean slate" to work with but I think you will find yourself in this same position once the initial effects of having new darts wears off. I think Larry hit it on the head. Perseverance is key and work on your focus. The grip on the dart should almost naturally sort itself as you continue to throw.

Cheers for the advice and encouragement, I am with you guys and will stick with them till I get a bit of consistency back.

I think the biggest plus is that I actually like the look and feel of the darts and so that's the first hurdle with me, second hurdle is sorting my stance and grip out, I need to find a more comfortable style as my current one, although it worked well for a while, was quite robotic TBH.

I know I can throw them well as i have done before and so getting through the next few weeks with them is my focus, hopefully the good darts will return and end all my doubts - fingers crossed.

Lets hope we all iron out those bad darts.


Cheers fellas,

Greg

Of course El Gripo is in the wings with mouth watering wanting to sell ya something magical lol

SilverSaber wrote:

Of course El Gripo is in the wings with mouth watering wanting to sell ya something magical lol

SilverSaber wrote:

Of course El Gripo is in the wings with mouth watering wanting to sell ya something magical lol

hahahahah

yeah I have some darts that are guaranteed to make you improve, their yours for only £100 how cheap is that!


If you played well with the darts once then its not the darts is it, your probably just having a little slump, (think I'm in a permanent slump).

I tried altering my grip last year and I just got worse and worse, thought I may eventually start to improve with it but never did, went back to my natural grip and picked up again, still not as good as I was a few years ago but getting closer to it. My grouping is noticeably better, just waiting for my accuracy to make the next improvement.

If you really must experiment with your grip though, I would advise recording yourself with your old grip and throw just in case you get messed up and forget your old style.

I will gladly take them off your hands for £.100 Would you mind covering the shipping cost?

my advice to you is remember back to a set of darts you played your best darts with or this maybe will be the lewis dart and stick to them its not the darts going in the 5s and 1s its the person chucking them.

STICK TO ONE SET ITS THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL IMPROVE

Lefty544 wrote:

I will gladly take them off your hands for £.100 Would you mind covering the shipping cost?

shipping is £30

I agree with the general consensus of the replies Rebel & suggest ya stick it out. Slumps are a normal part of the process and it just depends on the cause as to the duration.

Baring an injury causing you to have changed something, I just go back over my basics of stance & balance, checking that I'm not leaning in and insuring that my elbow is up parallel to the floor and insuring that I'm following thru, and then the rest is rather robotic as ya stated cause you want to be still, and repetitious.

You might also want to vary your routines to help maintain your focus, interest and the all important fun factor.

getagrip wrote:

Lefty544 wrote:

I will gladly take them off your hands for £.100 Would you mind covering the shipping cost?

shipping is £30

Make it £10 for shipping and you got yourself a deal! By the way... what darts am I getting?

Lefty544 wrote:

getagrip wrote:

Lefty544 wrote:

I will gladly take them off your hands for £.100 Would you mind covering the shipping cost?

shipping is £30

Make it £10 for shipping and you got yourself a deal! By the way... what darts am I getting?

VooDoo darts!

Thanks for all the advice, appreciate your time.

I know deep down I have to stick it out, and upon reading other posts it seems I am not the only one in a slump and I certainly wont be the last person to hit the lows either.

I will be sticking it out, its just that temptation, that slap of a package sliding through the door and hitting the floor, the tearing of the envelope and the joy of seeing your new weapons........ maybe I will try a set of Zincronium Lewis' next


Cheers,
Greg

I know that feeling, its addictive

Very addictive, I wonder if I post my back up set back to myself if I would get the same thrill?



hahaha

worth a try!

i think your just evolving as a player. i wouldn't change the fundamentals- grip, stance, or dart, stems. but i might would try altering little things- change flight shape, you can add or change ring styles, practice in silence or vice versa, have a cup of coffee prior to playing. all kinds of little things that can affect the game. i've also had luck with relocating my board to a different part of the house.

Great advice, cheers, the point about relocating the board is spot on.
I used to have it in the living room and could play while watching TV or have n01 running on the computer but since being moved upstairs I don't enjoy practicing as much.

I just moved my board from the basement to an upstairs spare bedroom. I am now shooting on a level floor at a board that no longer has a ceiling approximately two feet from the double twenty and a regulation throwing distance. Wonder if it will make a difference?

canuckdartnut wrote:

I just moved my board from the basement to an upstairs spare bedroom. I am now shooting on a level floor at a board that no longer has a ceiling approximately two feet from the double twenty and a regulation throwing distance. Wonder if it will make a difference?

Yep, now you will need to throw harder to reach the ceiling!

or longer arms