Practice sessions: Back to basics!

Hi Guys

My practice at the moment is VERY 'back to basic'. Literally just around the board in singles 3 in a bed.

Now, this may sound boring however if you cant hit the 'single' digit under pressure then your going to lose your 'setup' shots and at a high level likely the the match

I am literally 're-tooling' my play from the ground up almost as if a completely new player to darts. I think this is essential as areas can decline, or be focused on to much (how many times do you see a guy destroy the 20's but cant hit a double at all and lose). Darts for me is like an apprenticeship. You have to work your way up:

• singles
• triples
• doubles
• Bulls
• Outs
• Counting

so that the whole board is familiar and this in turns builds confidence. Ending up on D7 when you've never practiced it will always lead to trouble.

You should i think never be afraid to do this. It is better to start afresh rather than continue on with bad habits or lackluster practice that adds nothing except time killing.

Go on Youtube and you will find most pro's advocate this. I have spoken with Andy Fordham, Steve Beaton and Darryl Fitton and they all say the same thing.

Take last night for example, my practice session was not as fluid as a few days previous. Now this is the same for all players, just because you went around in doubles in 10 minutes the night before doesn't mean that you will every time. Again, many pro's will attest to this. watch the below:

https://youtu.be/JG_qJ8vgWU4

Phil Taylor, the greatest player who there will ever be in darts even experiences and attest to this. If the greatest player ever can say it can take him 1 hour or 3 hours to complete his routine, you should stop pressuring yourself!

I am currently taking it like i am starting to train for a contest . Doing 1 hour every other day.  Not doing too much too soon, as it is demanding, and does require alot of concentration.  Going from not playing to trying to cram in 4 hours every day will only lead to fatigue and wasted time.  I have done this before, and the last 2-3 hours are usually spent throwing rubbish darts with a tired arm and frustration. Its a waste and unproductive (unless you have worked up to it).

I always follow what Bobby George. told me.  He said when practice sees you hitting 100's  lovely, stop and leave on good form. Don't go off form and leave on 26's as this will leave the memory of playing poorly in your head and body. Makes sense when you think about it.
The BIG thing though is to enjoy it and not get frustrated. If every practice session see's you lobbing the last 2 darts in anger as you slammed one in 5 or 1 by accident then 'stop'.  You are getting nothing from this. Darts is to be enjoyed and if you don't enjoy it i would argue (unless its paying your living) that you should stop and find something you do enjoy. Time is too precious to be spent wasting it on something you hate.

All the best

Luke