In the world of darts, few accomplishments are as thrilling and impressive as hitting the perfect 170 checkout. Known as the highest possible finish in a game of of darts. Darts 170 checkout consists of hitting two treble 20s followed by the inner bullseye. It’s not just about accumulating points—it’s about completing the game with a flourish, showcasing precision, control, and nerve. There is no room for error, all 3 darts need to land exactly where they have to.
Whether you’re a casual player looking to improve or a competitive dart enthusiast aiming to master the darts 170 checkout, this guide will break down the techniques, strategies, and mindset needed to make this elusive checkout a reality.
1. Understanding the 170 Checkout: The Basics
A 170 checkout is the maximum finish in darts that involves three darts. To achieve it, you must first hit two treble 20s (scoring 120 points) and then finish with a bullseye (worth 50 points). It’s a highly prized achievement because of its difficulty and the precision required to land all three perfect darts.
Here’s why the 170 checkout is so important:
- High Stakes: It’s often the finish players aim for when they’re left with exactly 170 points. Being able to land a 170 checkout can swing a game dramatically.
- Momentum Changer: In professional darts, hitting a 170 checkout not only boosts your confidence but also rattles your opponent. It is especially sweet when your opponent is already near checkout and you can steal the leg away.
- Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re playing in front of a crowd or with friends, a successful 170 checkout is sure to draw cheers. It’s a crowd-pleasing feat that elevates your darting reputation.
2. Why Is the 170 Checkout So Difficult?
The challenge of a 170 checkout lies in the combination of precision, consistency, and nerve required to hit all three darts perfectly. While many players can hit a treble 20, doing it twice in a row and then following up with a bullseye requires intense focus and control.
Here are some of the key challenges players face when attempting the 170 checkout:
- Small Target Area: The treble 20 and bullseye are among the smallest segments on the board, and hitting them requires pinpoint accuracy.
- Pressure: The psychological pressure of attempting a perfect checkout can cause nerves to interfere with your throw, especially if you’re close to victory. Even after hitting the two trebles, the nerves will build up even more and the hand might start shaking.
- Consistency: Even experienced players may struggle to hit two treble 20s consistently, making the 170 checkout a rare achievement.
To show how impressive the 170 and how it might change the outcome of the game, check out Fallon Sherrock throwing a 170 in the deciding leg video!
Despite these challenges, mastering the 170 checkout is possible with the right approach and plenty of practice. But here you have to realize, that nothing substitutes the practice part – you need to train it into your muscle memory.
3. Key Techniques for Hitting the 170 Checkout
Achieving a 170 checkout requires a combination of technical skill and mental fortitude. Below are some key techniques and tips that can help you improve your chances of hitting the elusive 170.
1. Perfecting the Treble 20
The first two darts of a 170 checkout must hit the treble 20, which is the bread and butter of high-scoring darts. Here’s how you can sharpen your treble 20 accuracy:
- Focus on Consistency: Practice hitting the treble 20 consistently. One of the best ways to do this is to dedicate practice sessions solely to hitting this section of the board. A good practice drill is to throw 100 darts at the treble 20 and track how many times you hit it. Gradually, you should see your accuracy improve.
- Work on Your Stance and Release: Your stance should be stable, with your dominant foot forward and body weight evenly distributed. When releasing the dart, ensure that your follow-through is smooth and that your arm extends naturally toward the target. This will help improve your control and precision.
- Find Your Rhythm: Many professional players throw their darts with a steady rhythm, reducing the chances of overthinking each throw. Find a rhythm that feels comfortable and stick to it during practice sessions.
A good thing about practicing treble 20 is it will improve your overall game not just the 170 checkout – it is the essential part of the game of darts.
2. Mastering the Bullseye
After hitting two treble 20s, the final dart needs to land in the bullseye. The bullseye is often considered the trickiest part of the checkout due to its size and placement on the board.
- Bullseye Practice: Just like with the treble 20, dedicate time to practicing bullseye shots. Aim specifically for the center, focusing on throwing with just enough force to land in the middle without overshooting into the outer bull.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: The bullseye shot can be the most nerve-wracking part of a 170 checkout, especially if you’ve already hit the two treble 20s. To manage pressure, practice deep breathing techniques and visualize the dart landing in the bullseye before you throw. The more you practice these pressure moments, the more comfortable you’ll become when it really matters.
Having a bullseye throw up your sleeve is overall a nice weapon to have. It might home handy when you need a cheeky checkout otherwise or if the starter of the game will be decided by throwing at the bullseye.
3. Control Your Throwing Technique
To hit a 170 checkout, your throwing technique needs to be flawless. There are several components to this:
- Grip: The way you hold the dart can greatly influence your accuracy. Ensure your grip is firm but not too tight, and that you have control over the dart’s flight. Experiment with different grips during practice to find what feels most comfortable and controlled for you.
- Aim: Always keep your eyes fixed on the target—whether it’s the treble 20 or the bullseye. Visualize the dart hitting the exact spot before releasing it. Over time, this mental imagery can help improve your accuracy.
- Follow Through: A consistent follow-through is essential for ensuring your dart lands where you want it to. After releasing the dart, your arm should naturally continue towards the target, ensuring a smooth, controlled throw.
4. Developing the Mental Game for a 170 Checkout
The physical aspect of darts is only part of the equation. To master the 170 checkout, you must also develop a strong mental game. Here are some tips for staying mentally sharp and focused when attempting such a difficult finish.
1. Stay Focused
One of the biggest challenges in darts is maintaining focus over long periods, especially when attempting something as difficult as a 170 checkout. Losing concentration for even a second can lead to missed opportunities.
- Eliminate Distractions: When playing, try to block out external distractions like noise or crowd reactions. The best players are those who can maintain tunnel vision, focusing solely on the board and the task at hand.
- One Dart at a Time: Rather than focusing on the end result, take it one dart at a time. After hitting a treble 20, don’t dwell on it—just focus on hitting the next one. By breaking down the checkout into smaller steps, you reduce the pressure.
2. Confidence Under Pressure
A 170 checkout often happens in the most high-pressure situations, like when you’re down to your final few points or in a competitive match. Building confidence under pressure is key.
- Positive Visualization: Before you throw, visualize yourself successfully completing the 170 checkout. Picture the two treble 20s followed by a bullseye, and imagine how it will feel when you succeed. This mental rehearsal can help calm your nerves and increase your confidence.
- Embrace the Challenge: Rather than viewing the 170 checkout as daunting, approach it as a fun challenge. The more you embrace the challenge, the less intimidating it will feel when you’re on the oche.
3. Learn from Misses
No player hits a 170 checkout every time. It’s important to learn from your misses rather than getting frustrated.
- Analyze Your Throws: If you miss a 170 checkout attempt, reflect on what went wrong. Did you rush your throw? Was your grip too tight? Learning from these mistakes will help you adjust your technique and improve over time.
- Build Resilience: Missing a 170 checkout can be disappointing, especially if you were close. But resilience is crucial in darts. The more you can bounce back from near misses, the more likely you are to succeed in future attempts.
5. Practice Drills for a Darts 170 Checkout
To improve your chances of hitting a 170 checkout, regular and focused practice is essential. Here are a few drills that can help sharpen your skills:
1. Treble 20 Focus Drill
Spend time practicing hitting the treble 20 repeatedly. Try to hit it two or three times in succession, as you would in a real checkout attempt. Keep track of how often you can land two treble 20s in one visit to the board.
2. Bullseye Finishing Drill
Practice finishing with the bullseye by aiming at it consistently. Start by attempting to hit it with all three darts in a visit. Once you’re comfortable, move on to hitting two treble 20s followed by the bullseye.
3. 170 Simulation Drill
Simulate a real-game scenario where you are left with 170 points. Practice going for two treble 20s and a bullseye in one turn. Keep track of how often you complete the checkout, and work to improve your accuracy over time.
Once you are practicing your game, it is a good idea to introduce some variety into it as well – for that reason check out our different training games to keep it interesting for yourself!
6. Conclusion: The Path to Mastering the Darts 170 Checkout
Mastering the 170 checkout is one of the most satisfying achievements in darts. It requires a combination of technical skill, mental strength, and consistent practice. By perfecting your treble 20 accuracy, honing your bullseye finishes, and maintaining focus under pressure, you’ll greatly improve your chances of landing this perfect checkout.
Remember, while hitting a 170 is a rare feat, it’s not impossible. With the right mindset and approach, you can start chasing perfection and add this remarkable accomplishment to your darting repertoire. Keep practicing, stay determined, and one day, you’ll be the player hitting it!
