Dartitis
Dartitis (pronounced dart-eye-tis) is a condition which can affect dart players, and severely damage their performance and results. It can be compared to the 'yips', a movement disorder which can affect golf players as they take their putting stroke. The term is used in reference to players who struggle with some kind of psychological problem with their technique and/or release of their darts.
The most famous case of dartitis came in 1986, when five-time World Champion, Eric Bristow revealed he was having problems with the release of his darts. Eric Bristow managed to make a partial recovery from the condition, and even managed to regain the number one position in the world rankings.
Players affected
The following players have been reported sufferers from the condition of dartitis.
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Eric Bristow |
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Mervyn King |
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Mark Holden |
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Steve Alker |
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Mark Walsh |
Mick from Love Darts says...
I used to play darts in my local league for many years earning myself a comfortable reputation. Disaster struck when I slowly started to hesitate releasing the dart and eventually lifting my left leg from the floor (right handed), followed by lifting off my right foot onto tip-toe (dartitis sufferers will know what I mean!).
As being a great dart lover, I can now say that after many hours of frustration I have overcome this awful condition. The old Mick is back at the oche, playing with my brother and son on a weekly basis. I know there are plenty of helpful tips out there but hopefully these might do the trick.
| 1. |
Throw the darts in an aggressive manor, meaning a lot faster than your normal release. |
| 2. |
Don't concentrate aiming the dart to much on the target you want to hit, (just throw fast at that area). |
| 3. |
Move your position of throw, not the stance, and allow your mind to float at times thinking 'yes, I feel better at this angle'. |
| 4. |
If this does not work dont give up! Believe me I will try my hardest to get you through it. |
| 5. |
Pick up your darts as often as you can, prefferably not long spells. Try 30 minute sessions! (Relax) then say to youself these are your last 3 darts, full stop, know more, then just walk away. |
| 6. |
One of the biggest mistakes I used to make is watching players on the television. I used to say to my brother 'Watch this, I've been watching Phil Taylor throw'. This is your idol we are talking about (don't get me wrong) idols are great but what I would do is copy and totally release the dart in the same way Taylor did, but this is not the way I would release it. (Come on think!), just because Taylor is a multiple world champion, it doesn't mean you will have the same style, and I'm sure Taylor will back you on this. |
| 7. |
Once you have started to throw your darts at speed and feeling more comfortable, slowly get back to your normal self. |
If you have any questions about these tips please email Mick at: info@lovedarts.co.uk as we would love to hear your Dartitis stories plus any tips for fellow dart sufferers.
Gary from Kent says...
I am (was) well sometimes a dartitis sufferer, let me tell you it is the worst thing EVER. I praticed for 2 years for 5 hours a day and got to a good standard, my throw was very fast and to cut along story short I was playing a player in a local tournament and he deliberatley slowed me down. I went to throw and I just could let go, I thought nothing of it, until I went again and wallop, here it started. I just thought it will go, got up next day and was almost in tears, it was like all this pratice and now look I can't even play the game I love. I had to change my throw several times and touch wood I seem to be over the worst but I am nowhere near the player I was and it's very frustrating. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Dona Wallerius from New Jersey, USA says...
I started playing darts about 10 years ago for fun in a Sunday luck of the draw tournament, then followed with a weekly county league. I loved playing darts. After 6 years of playing, all of a sudden I would pull my arm back to throw and it would just lock. It was like there was a wall in front of my arm stopping me from throwing forward. I would have to lunge my body towards the board just to get rid of the dart. It was so humiliating that I tried everything to get rid of it. I even tried left handed and started locking up that way. I got very depressed and I could no longer play the game I loved.
Sadly enough, I had to quit darts entirely. My husband continued to play weekly which made me more depressed. So, after 4 years of not playing, I picked up darts again. It was very awkward and I felt like I had never thrown a dart. It was like learning to throw all over again. However, I got better a lot quicker then when I first started. I was very excited so I joined back in the league again and my first 2 weeks were great! I shot well and I wasn't embarrassed like I thought I might be. I was having so much fun and so grateful that I could play again. However, for some reason, the third week at home while practicing before the league, I felt some hesitation in my throw. I was like "oh no it's coming back". Now how am I suppose to keep this out of my head and not think about it. Dartitis destroyed me 4 years prior. I played my 2 matches that night, although I didn't shoot well, I managed to do okay. Now I'm heading to my 4th week and I'm terrified. I had practiced the other day and the hesitation was still there. People say there is a cure, and it will go away, but I'm not so sure of that anymore. I think once you have it, its embedded in your brain that it could possibly happen again. I tried everything when I first got it, even hypnosis. That was a joke! Since I have not completely locked up again, I am going to work really hard and try some suggestions I have read on the Internet from other sufferers. Wish me luck from one dart lover to another.
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