In darts, to improve your game and train your muscle memory, all the variables have to be constant. One of those variables that might change everything is Darts line/throwing distance from the dartboard. It is essential that you have to have the same distance when practicing at home as well as when competing in the tournaments.
While it may seem like a minor detail, the correct throwing distance ensures consistency across wherever you play. In this article, we’ll cover the official throwing distance for darts game and how to set up your dartboard for optimal gameplay.
1. Official Darts line/throwing distance
The official line from which players throw in darts is known as the “oche” (pronounced “ock-ee”). The oche marks the minimum distance players must stand behind when throwing their darts. This distance is standardized across professional tournaments to maintain consistency. So to match it you want to make sure your home set-up is the same!
The Standard Throwing Distance
For standard steel-tip darts, the official throwing distance is 7 feet 9 ¼ inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard to the front of the oche. This distance is measured horizontally from the dartboard, not at an angle, so it’s essential to measure it properly.
In addition, the dartboard should be mounted so that the center (the bullseye) is exactly 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the ground.
Soft Tip Darts Distance
In soft-tip darts (played on electronic dartboards), the throwing distance is slightly different. The official throwing distance for soft-tip darts is 8 feet (2.44 meters) from the dartboard to the throwing line.The dartboard should be mounted so that the center (the bullseye) is exactly 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the ground. So the height of the dartboard is same for both soft tips and standard steel tips.
While the distance difference may seem small, it can have a noticeable impact on gameplay, especially for experienced players used to one format over the other. So depending on the set-up you have at home, make sure you are measuring correctly and everything is as it should be!
2. How to Set Up the Oche
Setting up the oche is simple but essential for ensuring your darts games are fair and consistent. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up the throwing line:
- Mount the Dartboard: Ensure your dartboard is mounted correctly, with the center of the bullseye at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the ground.
- Measure the Throwing Distance: Measure the correct distance depending on the tips you are playing with from the face of the board (not the wall) to where the front of the oche should be.
- Mark the Oche: You can use a piece of tape, a dart mat, or even a wooden/plastic raised oche to mark the line on the floor. The oche itself should be at least 2 feet long (0.6 meters) to ensure players have enough room to position their feet behind it. Once you want to hit tight gaps with your darts it is essential you can move a bit to left or right, to find the best angle.
- Check the Angle: Make sure your measurement is horizontal to the ground and not angled upwards towards the dartboard. This ensures the distance is accurate. Also make sure you measured directly from the wall at 90degrees to get the correct distance and line.
2. Why is the Distance/Darts Line Important?
The standard throwing distance ensures that all players are playing under the same conditions, no matter where the game takes place. Especially in todays age where there are online darts tournaments happening every weekend. A consistent distance allows for a fair competitive play, and enables players to develop muscle memory and consistent techniques over time.
For beginners, having the correct distance makes it easier to get used to the game and transition into more serious play. On the other hand, if you’re consistently playing from too close or too far, it can throw off your aim and accuracy, making it harder to improve. So after setting up your darts line where you throw from, you want to measure it again to make sure it is correct!
In tournaments it is regulated by PDC (The Professional Darts Corporation) – the distance from where you throw and also the height where dartboard is set up. To read more about that and different darts rules head over to the PDC rules page.
3. Other Throwing Distances
While 7 feet 9 ¼ inches is the official distance for most dart games, other distances may be used in casual play or non-standard setups. Here are some variations:
- Youth Darts: For children or beginners, the throwing distance can be shortened to help them develop their skills. A common reduced distance is 7 feet (2.13 meters).
- Custom Games: Some casual settings might use different throwing distances based on space limitations or player preferences, but for tournament play, it’s essential to stick to the official measurements.
4. Final Thoughts on Darts Line
Whether you’re playing steel-tip or soft-tip darts, setting the correct throwing distance is key to maintaining the integrity of the game. The standard distance of 7 feet 9 ¼ inches (2.37 meters) ensures that all players are competing on equal footing and allows you to develop consistent, repeatable techniques.
Next time you set up your dartboard or head to a pub for a game, take a moment to check the distance – it could be the difference between a solid throw and a perfect bullseye!
Once your board is correctly set up – head over to our best games to start improving your game!
