How Do You Increase Your Average in Darts?
Key Takeaways
- Know how to calculate your 3 dart average by multiplying your one dart average
- Consistency has one of the biggest impacts on your darts average
- Grouping is a skill that will help you score higher per dart
- Using few darts by getting better at doubles will improve your average in darts
What Is a Good Darts Average?
If you are relatively new to the game of darts, you have probably heard a lot about averages, especially if you watch televised darts.
There’s no doubt you would have noticed the pros regularly registering a 100+ averages.
- In 2016, Micheal Van Gerwen registered the highest official 3 dart average of 123.40.
- Fast-forward to 2019, Peter Wright, clocked a staggering 123.50 three dart average.
- Wrights game was only streamed online and not televised, so officially Van Gerwen holds the highest average in darts.
In general, a good darts average depends on the level you are at as a player, for instance a good average for a beginner would be between 30–40 points.
| 3 Dart Average | Player Level |
|---|---|
| 30–40 points | Beginner |
| 40–60 points | Casual/Average/Pub players |
| 60–80 points | League players |
| 80+ points | Pro players |
Should You Think About Your Dart Averages?
If you are a beginner, your darts average is not going to be high, but to be honest at this stage you shouldn’t worry too much about it.
Getting better at darts takes time, and along the way there are tonnes of ups and downs.
Consistency is one of the most important things you can master, but it’s normal for beginners to have problems finding consistency, and it does affect your averages.
Though, it’s a great metric to use to monitor performance, it’s a better guide when you are past the beginner phase.
However, with that being said, your averages can be improved by working on specific parts of your game, which can include:
- Learning to group better
- Working on your doubles
- Develop a routine
- Embrace cover shots
- Working on your technique
How To Calculate Your Darts Average?
Before going further, you should know how to calculate your average properly. Lots of amateur players get this wrong.
- The three dart average of a player is the most commonly metric used
- A one dart average is the lesser metric used by players when talking about averages
To calculate your 3 dart average, you must work out your 1 dart average and then multiply it by 3.
| Type of Dart Average | Calculations | Player Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Dart Average | Total Points/ Number of Darts | 501/17 = 29.47 |
| 3-Dart Average | Total Points / (Multiple 1 dart average x 3) | 29.47 x 3 = 88.41 |
In the above example
- The 1 dart average is 29.47
- The 3 dart average is 88.41
How Do You Increase Your Average in Darts?
Learn to Group Better
The only way you will ever start throwing high scores consistently, is to learn how to group better, i.e. place them side by side on the board.
501 is the most popular game around the world, and the aim of the game is to get to zero as fast as possible.
- Grouping darts is the difference between regularly scoring 26 and 60.
- As you get better, that 60 will start turning into 100, then your into 140’s territory with a few 180’s chucked in.
The pros might make it look easy, but it is far from it.
There are lots of games that you can play to practice darts grouping, but my experience of using post-it notes on the board shows the biggest improvement among beginners.
- Stick a post-it note anywhere n the dartboard
- Throw your first dart on the paper target
- Now you have the target to aim for with your next two darts
- Incrementally make the paper target smaller as you get better at grouping and eventually remove the paper and practice around the board
- You can also use practice rings, which are tonnes of fun if you’re playing with other players
Grouping means big scores, which means a higher 3 dart averages, that is provided you can hit your doubles of course.
Practice Doubles
Scoring high is great in darts, it helps with bragging rights over your friends, not to mention inflating the ego.
Your darts averages will also look pretty good from the outside looking in.
However, it’s pretty much a waste of time if you can’t hit your doubles.
Your 3 dart average will be massively affected if it takes you as many darts to close out a game as it did to get you there.
- Being able to ht doubles in as fewer darts as possible, leads to faster checkouts and is one of the best ways to increase averages.
- Getting good at finishing doubles, boost confidence and helps prevent overthinking during dart games
- It gives you an edge over other amateur players, who typically struggle with doubles
- Checking out higher scores, will lead to a dramatically improved darts average.
The old saying sprigs to mind ‘trebles for show, doubles for dough‘.
There are plenty of fun practice games you can play that will get you better at doubles and finishing all around the board.
Develop a Routine
One of the best ways to improve your averages is to develop a routine during practice.
Many amateur players go in, throw a load of darts towards the triple 20, and that’s about it.
There’s no rhyme or rhythm, and certainly no routine.
This approach will not get your averages up, and will probably only serve to get you fed up playing from the lack of improvement.
- Create a fixed routine: This will help you build a consistent routine and ensure that you practice for enough time daily or weekly.
- Focus on Key Areas During Practice: Don’t just practice on what you’re good at, practice on where you need to improve your game, during each session. This could include things like grouping, doubles and checkouts.
- Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your improvement by recording scores either manually or through a dartboard app. Track any changes in the dart’s average and identify gaps requiring attention.
Don’t be Afraid of Cover Shots
You wouldn’t believe the amount of players that avoid cover shots and switching down the board.
It’s a fear that many beginner players in particular tend to feel.
However, being able to switch down to the triple 19 or across to 18s when the triple 20 is blocked is a great way of getting your averages up.
It’s something you will notice the pros do as and when needed.
If you can’t see the bed, it’s very hard to direct the dart there, so avoiding cover shots is effectively sacrificing a chance at a treble.
You should be aiming for at least one dart in the big triples each throw to have a decent dart average.
Work on Your Technique
Consistency is a huge hurdle for most players to conquer throwing darts.
It is one of the biggest reasons why your averages are suffering and not improving much.
Your darts average will improve when you improve your technique, which improves your consistency.
- Most beginners usually develop a natural throwing style early on, but then neglect to work on it.
- However, no player in the world has a perfect throw, so tweaking here and there is necessary.
- Even the pros have to iron out little issues from time to time.
Spending time on your technique, and recording your throw, is a great way to spot problems with it.
Over time, this alone will have a huge impact on your averages.
FAQs
What Does Average Mean in Darts?
In darts, the “average” typically refers to the average points scored per dart or per turn (three darts). It’s a measure of a player’s consistency and accuracy.
Why Is Having a High Darts Average Important?
A higher average indicates consistent scoring and a better chance of winning games. It’s a key metric in evaluating a player’s performance over time.
How Can I Improve My Darts Throwing Technique?
Focus on maintaining a consistent stance, grip, and follow-through. Regular practice and possibly seeking coaching can help refine your technique.
Does Regular Practice Make a Significant Difference to Darts Averages?
Yes, consistent practice helps in muscle memory development, ensuring a more stable and accurate throw. It also helps in identifying and rectifying any inconsistencies in your game.
How Can I Improve My Focus During a Darts Game?
Minimize distractions, practice deep breathing, and develop a pre-throw routine. Visualization techniques, where you imagine the dart hitting the target, can also enhance focus.
Are There Specific Drills to Increase My Darts Average?
Yes. Targeted practice, like aiming for specific segments on the board or playing “around the clock” (hitting numbers in sequence), can help improve accuracy and consistency.
How Important Is Mental Strength in Increasing My Darts Average?
Very important. Darts is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Building mental resilience, staying calm under pressure, and maintaining a positive attitude can significantly impact your average.
How Can Playing Against Better Players Help My Darts Averages?
Competing against players with higher averages can challenge you to up your game. It provides an opportunity to learn from their techniques and strategies.
Is It Beneficial to Set Goals for My Darts Average?
Yes, setting realistic and incremental goals can motivate you to practice more and stay focused on improvement. Celebrate when you achieve these goals and then set new ones.
Should I Consider Investing in Better Darts Equipment?
While technique and practice are paramount, using quality darts and equipment tailored to your style can make a difference. However, it’s essential to find equipment that you’re comfortable with, rather than just going for the most expensive option.
