How to Throw Different Types of Darts: Steel Tip vs. Soft Tip

Darts is a beloved game played worldwide, enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a professional dart player or a casual enthusiast, understanding the different types of darts---specifically steel tip and soft tip darts---is essential for mastering the game. Both types of darts have distinct characteristics, and how you throw them can vary significantly based on the dart's design and the type of board you're using.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between steel tip and soft tip darts, the best throwing techniques for each, and how to adjust your game depending on the type of dart you use. This article will give you a deep dive into the nuances of dart throwing, enhancing your overall dart-throwing experience, regardless of whether you're playing for fun or aiming for a competitive edge.

Understanding the Differences Between Steel Tip and Soft Tip Darts

Before we delve into the throwing techniques, it's essential to understand the two primary types of darts used in the game: steel tip darts and soft tip darts. While both types serve the same purpose---hitting a target on a dartboard---their construction and the boards they are designed for are quite different.

Steel Tip Darts

Steel tip darts are the classic type of dart used in most traditional dart games, including professional tournaments like those governed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The steel tip dart features a metal shaft with a pointed steel tip that is designed to stick into a bristle dartboard. These darts are known for their precision and are most commonly used for traditional games such as 501 or Cricket.

Key Characteristics of Steel Tip Darts:

• Material: Typically made with a metal tip and a barrel of brass, tungsten, or other durable metals.
• Board: Designed for use on bristle dartboards.
• Precision: Steel tips provide a sharper, more consistent impact on the dartboard, allowing for accurate scoring.
• Weight: Steel tip darts generally have more weight, ranging from 18 grams to 30 grams, providing a more stable flight path.

Soft Tip Darts

Soft tip darts are designed for electronic dartboards, which use sensors to register the score when the dart hits the board. The tips of these darts are made from plastic or nylon and are much softer than their steel counterparts. The electronic boards have small holes into which the soft tips are inserted, and the score is automatically recorded.

Key Characteristics of Soft Tip Darts:

• Material: Soft tips are made from plastic or nylon, making them less likely to cause damage to electronic boards.
• Board: Primarily used on electronic dartboards, often found in arcade-style setups.
• Safety: The softer tips reduce the likelihood of injury or damage to surroundings, making them a popular choice for casual play.
• Weight: Soft tip darts tend to be lighter than steel tip darts, with weights generally ranging from 14 grams to 20 grams.

Choosing the Right Dart for Your Game

The type of dart you choose can significantly affect your gameplay. Both steel tip and soft tip darts have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you select the right dart for your specific needs and preferences.

Advantages of Steel Tip Darts:

• Precision: Steel tip darts provide greater accuracy due to their sharper tips, making them ideal for players who seek precision in their throws.
• Consistency: The heavier weight of steel tip darts helps maintain stability in flight, reducing the chances of erratic throws.
• Competitive Play: Most professional dart tournaments use steel tip darts, and mastering them is essential if you're planning to compete at higher levels.

Advantages of Soft Tip Darts:

• Ease of Use: Soft tip darts are lighter and easier to throw, making them ideal for beginners or casual players.
• Safety: The soft plastic tips are much safer to handle, reducing the risk of injury, especially in home or recreational settings.
• Technology Integration: Electronic dartboards automatically keep score, making soft tip darts ideal for those who prefer an automated system to track progress.

Disadvantages of Steel Tip Darts:

• Board Wear: The steel tips can damage the dartboard over time, especially if the darts are thrown forcefully or inaccurately.
• Higher Learning Curve: Steel tip darts require more finesse and accuracy to throw correctly, which may be challenging for beginners.

Disadvantages of Soft Tip Darts:

• Less Precision: The plastic tips are not as sharp, which can result in less accuracy, especially when compared to the precision of steel tip darts.
• Board Dependence: Soft tip darts only work with electronic dartboards, which can be less common in home setups and more expensive to maintain.

Throwing Techniques for Steel Tip Darts

Throwing a steel tip dart requires a controlled and deliberate approach. Because steel tip darts are heavier and have a more rigid tip, the throwing technique needs to be more refined and focused on precision.

Basic Steel Tip Throwing Technique:

1. Grip:

   • Hold the dart with three fingers---your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The dart should rest comfortably on the pads of these fingers, with the shaft of the dart placed between your thumb and index finger. Your grip should be firm but not too tight, as a loose grip can cause the dart to fly erratically.

2. Stance:

   • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the dartboard. Your dominant foot should be slightly forward, with your non-dominant foot providing balance. The angle of your body should be around 45 degrees to the board.

3. Aiming:

   • Focus on the target, whether it's the bullseye or a segment on the dartboard. It's essential to aim consistently at the same spot each time.

4. Throwing Motion:

   • Keep your elbow steady and move only your forearm. The dart should be thrown in a smooth, fluid motion with minimal wrist movement. Flicking your wrist can cause the dart to veer off course, so it's important to focus on a straight, controlled throw.

5. Release:

   • As you throw, release the dart with a gentle but firm motion. Avoid snapping the wrist, as it can cause the dart to lose accuracy.

6. Follow Through:

   • After releasing the dart, allow your arm to follow through naturally. Your throwing hand should extend toward the target, and your fingers should point at the dartboard. A proper follow-through ensures the dart travels in a straight line and lands accurately.

Adjustments for Different Throwing Distances:

• Standard Distance: The standard throwing distance for steel tip darts is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the dartboard. Make sure you practice from this distance to develop consistency in your throws.
• Practice: Regular practice at different distances helps improve your accuracy and control. Always aim for consistency rather than raw power.

Throwing Techniques for Soft Tip Darts

While the basic throwing technique for soft tip darts is similar to that of steel tip darts, there are some notable differences due to the lighter weight and plastic tips of the darts. These differences require players to adjust their technique to maximize their performance.

Basic Soft Tip Throwing Technique:

1. Grip:

   • Similar to the steel tip grip, hold the dart with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. However, because soft tip darts are lighter, you may want to grip the dart slightly closer to the point for better control.

2. Stance:

   • The stance for soft tip darts is the same as for steel tip darts---shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot forward. A relaxed stance allows for better movement and follow-through.

3. Aiming:

   • Aiming with soft tip darts is less about precision and more about consistency. While you can still aim for specific segments, the lighter dart may require adjustments in how you focus on your target.

4. Throwing Motion:

   • Similar to the steel tip technique, keep your elbow steady and move your forearm. Soft tip darts require a slightly more relaxed throw due to their lighter weight, which reduces the impact of the release.

5. Release:

   • Release the dart in a controlled, fluid motion. Since the soft tip is less rigid, it's important not to throw the dart too hard, as it may lead to erratic flights. A smooth and easy release is key to achieving consistent results.

6. Follow Through:

   • The follow-through for soft tip darts is similar to that of steel tip darts, but due to the lighter nature of the dart, you may notice that the follow-through can be a bit more exaggerated. This helps to ensure that the dart stays on target.

Adjustments for Soft Tip Darts:

• Electronic Boards: Since soft tip darts are designed for electronic dartboards, be mindful of the board's specific settings. Some electronic boards automatically reset the score, so it's important to adjust your play accordingly.
• Practice with a Lighter Dart: Due to the lighter nature of soft tip darts, practice using a lighter touch and more controlled movements.

Key Differences in Playing Environments

The environment in which you play darts can also have a significant impact on your game. Whether you're playing with steel tip darts or soft tip darts, the type of board and the surrounding conditions should be considered.

Steel Tip Dartboards:

• Bristle Boards: These are the most common types of boards used in professional and casual dart playing. They are made from compressed sisal fibers that allow steel tips to stick and remain securely in place.
• Durability: Bristle boards are highly durable and can withstand repeated use from steel tip darts. However, the tips can cause wear over time, which requires periodic maintenance of the board.

Soft Tip Dartboards:

• Electronic Boards: These boards have small holes where the plastic tips of soft tip darts are inserted. Electronic boards are equipped with sensors to track scores automatically and offer various gameplay modes, such as 501, Cricket, and others.
• Safety Features: The plastic tips on soft tip darts make them safer to use, especially in environments with children or in public places. They also reduce the risk of damage to the board or surrounding area.

Conclusion

Whether you're using steel tip or soft tip darts, mastering the art of throwing requires practice, patience, and understanding the unique characteristics of each dart type. Steel tip darts demand precision and control, ideal for traditional dartboards and professional play, while soft tip darts offer a more accessible and safe experience for casual players and electronic dartboard enthusiasts.

By adjusting your throwing techniques to suit the type of darts you're using, you can significantly improve your performance, regardless of whether you're aiming for casual fun or competitive success. The key is to find the right dart for your style and environment, and then put in the time to practice and perfect your throwing technique. With dedication, you'll be hitting your targets with consistency and accuracy in no time!

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