Darts or dart-throwing is a competitive and entertaining sport suitable for all age groups. It involves the coordination of the arms, waist, abdomen and legs—improving body coordination, focus and neuromuscular control. It is also an indoor activity that helps relieve stress and tension.

Here is a beginner's guide to darts.

1. Holding the dart

First, find the dart's center of gravity and place it on your index finger, using your middle finger for support to find the best grip. Use the other fingers to assist you and find the most comfortable way to hold the dart.

2. Throwing

When throwing, let your forearm swing naturally like a pendulum with the elbow as the pivot point. The forearm should lead the wrist to release the dart. Pay attention to controlling the wrist's strength to avoid stiffness or excessive force.

3. How to hit the bullseye

When throwing darts, wear comfortable and flexible clothing. Stand at the appropriate distance from the dartboard, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your body, stabilize your center of gravity and keep your chest out, hips back and abdomen in.

Stand sideways with your dominant foot at the center of the throwing line, aligning your shoulder, hip and heel. The non-dominant side should not exert force.

The basic principle of holding the dart is to keep your fingers naturally curved, grip the dart shaft with your index and middle fingers—lightly pressing the shaft with your thumb and keeping the dart tip slightly upward. Avoid using excessive force.

Darts venues in Shanghai

- Hola.Do

Address: 2F of Citizens Fitness Center of Huangpu district, No 327 Jiujiang Road

Open: 2 pm - 9 pm

- SIDE BAR

Address: 1F of 56 Gourmet Zone, No 56 South Maoming South Road, Huangpu district

Open: Monday to Sunday, 6 pm - 2 am

- Shanghai Darts Association

Address: No 400 Tianyaoqiao Road, Xuhui district

Open: Monday to Friday, 2 pm - 8 pm

- Xuhui Dart Association

Address: 3F, No 255 East Nandan Road, Xuhui district

Open: Monday to Friday, 2 pm - 8 pm

- Wusong Street Citizen Fitness Center

Address: North side of Building 11, Lane 991, Shuichan Road, Baoshan district

Open: 9 am - 9 pm

- Dachi Sports Darts Competition Center

Address: 2F, No 518 Longli Road, Minhang district

Open: 9 am - 6 pm

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Administration of Sports, Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science, Shanghai Darts Association