Dartitis: The Dart Disease

It is a word that can send a shiver down the spine of any dart player and can severely impact the performance for players of all abilities. Dartitis is a condition that has affected some of the top professional players of the past and the present and stopped them from playing their natural game, but it can also impact anyone in the darts community at any time.

In this blog, Darts Corner takes a deeper look into what is dartitis and what causes dartitis, as well as exploring some of the most high-profile players to have experienced the condition over the years. We will also look at some of the ways players have tried to get rid of dartitis from their game and offer tips on how to overcome the darts disease.

So, what is dartitis?

Dartitis is a state of nervousness which prevents a player from releasing a dart at the right moment when throwing. This is the definition of dartitis given by the Oxford English Dictionary and it is a condition often compared to the ‘yips’ in other sports like golf and tennis.

It can result in a player’s performance being seriously impacted as they are unable to perform the basic skills of their sport, such as putting or serving, or in the case of darts, throwing. The word ‘dartitis’ was first coined in the magazine Darts World by then editor Tony Wood in 1981. He described dartitis as an affliction where a player is unable to release the dart properly.

Watch the video below to hear sports psychologist and former women’s number one dart player Dr Linda Duffy give her view on what is dartitis.

Myth or fact: is dartitis real?

There is some scepticism within the darting community and the sports world about the legitimacy of dartitis. Some observers argue that dartitis is a form of dystonia, which is the name given for uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle movements that can affect either the whole or certain parts of the body.

Whilst research continues into dartitis and its origins, this is the closest medical diagnosis for the condition. Research around the subject has been going on for many years but there has yet to be a definitive stance on what causes dartitis and the cures/treatments players can undergo to rid themselves of the condition.

The Symptoms: What does dartitis feel like?

The most common dartitis symptoms include having uncontrollable muscle spasms and/or cramps and muscle pain. These symptoms can cause a mental block when throwing and a hesitation to let go of the dart. This self doubt ultimately leads to an inability to release the dart smoothly and a player’s usual way of throwing being severely hampered.

Symptoms for dartitis can strike at any time and it is not a condition that solely affects a specific age or ability of players. There are many cases of darts players with dartitis across the different levels, from top professionals to amateur players, all of whom then have to work on a solution to overcome this psychological disorder in their game.

The Cause: What causes dartitis?

The exact cause of dartitis is unknown, but most people believe that the condition stems from a fear of failure. One theory is that dartitis is caused by performance anxiety in the pursuit of excellence, and a player’s fear of missing the target they are aiming for is what can lead to the throw breaking down as the condition has afflicted their game.

Whilst playing darts does require some level pf physical exertion, the game is predominantly a test of immense mental pressure and concentration. The anxiety and stress that can come from playing competitive darts is thought to be one of the key contributing factors to a player suffering from dartitis.

Darts players with dartitis

Over the years there has been several cases of professional darts players having dartitis including former world champions and some of the game’s bright young prospects. Former PDC World Championship finalist Kevin Painter has been afflicted with dartitis in 2024 and is working on overcoming the condition and getting back to his normal game.

The dartitis Eric Bristow suffered first started in 1986 shortly after becoming a five-time BDO world champion. Although he was able to regain the world number one ranking several years later, he was never quite the same player.

Eric Bristow

“I feel like I’m doomed. The game I loved to play and used to be so easy to do, all of a sudden I can’t even throw a dart. I tell you exactly what happened with me. It (my throw) slowed down year after year after year and one day it just stops. I was at the age of 30 odd. The game you love doing now you can’t do it anymore. You’re then thinking ‘I might not be able to do exhibitions, what do I do?'”

Eric Bristow speaking on ITV’s Sports Life Stories in 2013 about his battle with dartitis

Mark Webster

“It came for me around 2014 time and I remember thinking just ‘what’s going on here?’ I know it’s very much a mental thing, so I tried to distance myself from it and I refused to use the word dartitis. But I knew it was getting worse and other players started to notice it as well. I remember playing a game once in a Euro Tour Qualifier and I could see people watching me. I was all over the place. I couldn’t let the dart go and I was conscious of that.

“It was a really testing time of my career and at the end of the day I never recovered. I had a little run, but I never recovered the confidence and the knock on effect of it was horrendous. That period was the most down and upset I’ve been in the sport. I knew I’d gone because I couldn’t play the way I wanted to play.”

Mark Webster speaking on The Darts Show podcast about battling with dartitis as a player on the PDC tour

Berry van Peer

“I was travelling to the Grand Slam and I was just going to go there and play, even if it was a 50 average I was just going to participate and if I feel good then I’ll play better. It was nerve racking and mentally very tiring and destroying me. It takes a lot of energy to go up on stage and play normally, but to add what happened (with having dartitis) it was even worse. I got through the group stage and I went to the last 16. I don’t know how I did that. It was crazy times.

“In the game with Cameron (Menzies) the crowd was helping me and when I hit the double to win I just broke down and he broke down as well. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. The first few months after that it was still really tough. I didn’t want to practice much. Now (in 2022) I still have some ticks left which is annoying me, but I’m trying to do my best to be faster every time. I’m normally a faster player, but I’m going in a good direction and I’m in a positive place right now.”

Berry van Peer speaking to the Weekly Dartscast about his infamous battle with dartitis during the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts

Gian van Veen

“I had some games where I was almost in tears because I couldn’t release my dart. It was a struggle and I didn’t look forward to playing, because it cost so much energy, and when I was playing, I felt all those eyes on me. I felt guilty for disrupting my opponents, but I kept winning and my confidence kept growing because I was winning, so in a certain way, it probably helped my career.”

Gian van Veen speaking to the PDC about his personal battle with dartitis

Diagnosing dartitis: How to tell if you have dartitis

There are several tell-tale signs that players can recognise if they have dartitis in their game. These include hesitation and involuntary twitches when you are at the oche, as well as a loss of control and difficulty controlling the direction and speed of the dart.

Dartitis symptoms can lead to players having inconsistent performances and, as a result, mental frustration and feeling mentally blocked or unable to focus. Players with dartitis may also feel some physical discomfort from trying to release the dart out of their hand and having to use more force than usual to let go of the dart.

How to cure dartitis

Dartitis is a complex mix of psychological and physical factors and does not have a one-size-fits-all cure. However, there are several different ways that players have overcome the condition and got back to playing to a competent level.

Every player is different and one method of curing dartitis might work for some players but not for others. It is important to be patient and explore various methods to see what works for you. Seek advice from your fellow players who may have experienced dartitis in the past and be open to trying out a range of treatments to find one that helps you to overcome the condition.

How to manage dartitis: coping strategies and treatments

Here are some of the coping strategies for dartitis including some of the mental and physical techniques you can try if you are suffering from the condition.

Mental techniques (to reduce stress and anxiety) – some players have tried visualisation and mindfulness when playing darts, as being in a relaxed state can help combat any stress and anxiety you have when trying to release the dart. At the professional level, there have been instances in the past when pro players have turned to cognitive-behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy or acupuncture to help overcome dartitis from their game. Berry van Peer went down this route and finished top of the PDC Challenge Tour in 2023 to regain his tour card.

Physical techniques (to reduce physical symptoms) – another strategy is to switch up your regular practice routine and make it more fun. Our ‘Darts Games To Play’ blog includes an extensive range of fun games to play to bring more enjoyment to your practice game and alleviate any stress or tension when practicing. Other exercises for dartitis include adjusting your equipment, such as changing the darts you use or your grip to give you a different feel when throwing a dart.

Professional support – a popular choice for players who play at a professional level is to turn to coaching or a sports psychologist to help them to rid dartitis from their game. Reaching out to a sports psychologist can be beneficial to any players looking to improve the mental side of their game, not just those suffering from dartitis.

How to prevent dartitis

Dartitis can hit at any time and whilst we do not have a definitive answer to what causes dartitis it is impossible to avoid the condition entirely. Here are some of our recommended tips to reduce the likelihood of experiencing dartitis in your game:-

Warm-up routines and regular practice – it is important to follow a regular practice routine as this will help develop good habits and prepare you for future matches.

Mental health – there are various strategies players can follow for maintaining their mental well-being and reducing stress.

Physical health – keeping physically fit can help players to avoid getting repetitive strain injuries.

Success stories: can you overcome dartitis?

Beau Greaves overcame dartitis earlier on in her career to become a dominant force in the women’s game

Beau Greaves is one of the most high-profile players to have successfully overcome dartitis. ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ became the youngest women’s world champion in history when she won the 2022 WDF Women’s World Championship at the age of just 18, but before then came close to quitting the sport after suffering with dartitis.

In an interview with Sky Sports she said: “With me, it was more about my approach to the board. I’d panicked before I even got on the oche. It was a lot of anxiety thinking I’m going to miss the board, especially in front of people. It was hard to come to terms with (the fact that) I might never get over it but I have such good family around me. You have to work through it and you just can’t let it bother you too much. I just try and ignore it if it happens. It’s one of those things you can’t forget about – it’s in your head.”

Dealing with dartitis: additional resources

There is lots of available support for players currently struggling with dartitis. The ‘Dartitis Recovery’ Facebook group is open to join and share your own experiences and offer advice and encouragement for other dartitis players. This group was created to try and help players suffering from dartitis by engaging with other players who have had similar experiences.

For players trying to overcome dartitis, you will find plenty of helpful resources online with other players sharing their own battles with the condition and offering tips on how to beat it. Watch the video below from Darts Class who reveals his personal experience with dartitis and how he got through it.

About Darts Corner

Darts Corner is committed to supporting players at all levels and the ‘How To’ section of our blog includes a variety of informative and useful guides to expand your knowledge in the game. Check out our ‘How To Reduce Stress With Darts’ blog on the benefits of playing darts and some of the darts mental health charities linked with darts.

Read our ‘The Best Darts For All Grip Types’ blog for an in-depth look at the different dart grips if you are looking to adjust your darts grip and try something else. Our ‘How To Get Better At Darts’ blog has some handy tips on improving your game and includes lots of different practice routines.

Pictures: PDC