Darts performance Narrative review

Main Article Content

Mate Vukoja
Goran Sporis
Naim Ćeleš
Jasmin Budimlić
Nijaz Skender
Natalija Kurtović
Marjan Ninčević
Brigita Mieziene
Boriss Bazanov
Ivica Franjko
Ahmet Naci Dilek
Maki Grle
Jerko Prlić
Dejan Tiric
Bozenka Galic Tiric
Tolga Tek
Patrik Kramarić
Ernest Šabić
Davorin Antonić
Ivica Franjko
Ivan Duroci
Davor Ljesević
Hrvoje Ajman
Željko Širić
Zeljko Kovacevic
Besnik Morina
Milan Milošević
Veljko Vukicevic

Abstract

Darts is a precision-based sport that requires a high level of motor control, coordination, and psychological stability. The aim of this review paper is to synthesize current scientific knowledge on the determinants of performance in darts, with a focus on motor skills, biomechanics, and psychological factors. A narrative review methodology was used, drawing from studies in motor control, sport psychology, and skill acquisition. The findings suggest that successful darts performance depends on fine motor control, movement consistency, visual–motor coordination, and mental focus. Psychological factors such as concentration, anxiety regulation, and self-confidence play a crucial role in performance under pressure. Additionally, deliberate practice and repetition are essential for skill acquisition. This review highlights the importance of integrating physical and psychological training in darts.

Article Details

How to Cite
Vukoja, M., Sporis, G., Ćeleš, N., Budimlić, J., Skender, N., Kurtović, N., … Vukicevic, V. (2026). Darts performance: Narrative review. Sustainability and Sports Science Journal, 4(4), 263–278. https://doi.org/10.55860/ZKAJ2278
Section
Review paper
Author Biographies

Goran Sporis, University of Zagreb

Faculty of Kinesiology

Naim Ćeleš, University of Bihać

Deparment of Physical Education and Sport. Faculty of Pedagogy.

Jasmin Budimlić, University of Bihać

Deparment of Physical Education and Sport. Faculty of Pedagogy.

Nijaz Skender, University of Bihać

Deparment of Physical Education and Sport. Faculty of Pedagogy.

Natalija Kurtović, University of Bihać

Deparment of Physical Education and Sport. Faculty of Pedagogy.

Marjan Ninčević, University of Zagreb

Faculty of Croatian Studies.

Brigita Mieziene, Vilnius University

Department of Midwifery and Nursing. Institute of Health Sciences. Faculty of Medicine.

Ivica Franjko, University of Osijek

Faculty of Kinesiology Osijek.

Ahmet Naci Dilek, Bartin University

Faculty of Sport Science.

Maki Grle, University Clinical Hospital Mostar

Department of Orthopaedics.

Jerko Prlić, University Clinical Hospital Mostar

Department of Orthopaedics.

Dejan Tiric, University Clinical Hospital Mostar

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Bozenka Galic Tiric, University of Mostar

Chair of Occupational Medicine. Faculty of Medicine.

Patrik Kramarić, University of Zagreb

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Ernest Šabić, University of Bihać

Faculty of Pedagogy.

Ivica Franjko, University of Osijek

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Ivan Duroci, University of Zagreb

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Davor Ljesević, University of Zagreb

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Hrvoje Ajman, University of Osijek

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Željko Širić, University of Osijek

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Zeljko Kovacevic, University of Split

Faculty of Health Sciences.

Besnik Morina, niversity of Pristina "Hasan Pristina"

Faculty of Physical Education and Sport.

Veljko Vukicevic, University of Novi Sad

Faculty of Sport and Physical Education.

References

Abernethy, B. (1990). Anticipation in sport: A review. Physical Education Review, 13(2), 5–16.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman.

Bartlett, R. (2007). Introduction to sports biomechanics. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203462027 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203462027

Beilock, S. L., & Carr, T. H. (2001). On the fragility of skilled performance: What governs choking under pressure? Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 130(4), 701–725. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.130.4.701 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.130.4.701

Beilock, S. L., & Gray, R. (2007). Why do athletes choke under pressure? In G. Tenenbaum & R. C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (pp. 425–444). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118270011.ch19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118270011.ch19

Bernstein, N. A. (1967). The coordination and regulation of movements. Pergamon Press.

Campos, C. E., Lage, G. M., Andrade, A. G. P., Couto, C. R., Santos, S. P., Profeta, V. L. S., & Ugrinowitsch, H. (2019). Changes on movement control of dart throwing under distance and target weight constraints. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 14(4), 925–933. https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2019.144.20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2019.144.20

Davids, K., Button, C., & Bennett, S. (2008). Dynamics of skill acquisition. Human Kinetics.

Debaere, F., Wenderoth, N., Sunaert, S., Van Hecke, P., & Swinnen, S. P. (2004). Changes in brain activation during the acquisition of a new bimanual coordination task. Neuropsychologia, 42(7), 855–867. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2003.12.010

Ericsson, K. A. (Ed.). (2006). The Cambridge handbook of expertise and expert performance. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511816796 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511816796

Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363–406. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.100.3.363 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.100.3.363

Farhat, F., Ammar, A., Mezghani, N., Kammoun, M. M., Trabelsi, K., Jahrami, H., Gharbi, A., Sallemi, L., Rebai, H., Moalla, W., & Smits-Engelsman, B. (2024). Spatial accuracy and variability in dart throwing in children with developmental coordination disorder and the relationship with ball skill items. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 14(4), 1028–1043. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14040067 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14040067

Feltz, D. L., Short, S. E., & Sullivan, P. J. (2008). Self-efficacy in sport. Human Kinetics. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781718206625 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5040/9781718206625

Fleisig, G. S., Barrentine, S. W., Escamilla, R. F., & Andrews, J. R. (1996). Biomechanics of overhand throwing with implications for injuries. Sports Medicine, 21(6), 421–437. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199621060-00004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199621060-00004

Hardy, L., Beattie, S., & Woodman, T. (2007). Anxiety-induced performance catastrophes: Investigating effort required as an asymmetry factor. British Journal of Psychology, 98(1), 15–31. https://doi.org/10.1348/000712606X103428 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1348/000712606X103428

Kelso, J. A. S. (1995). Dynamic patterns: The self-organization of brain and behavior. MIT Press.

Knudson, D. (2007). Fundamentals of biomechanics. Springer.

Latash, M. L. (2008). Neurophysiological Mechanisms. In M. L. Latash (Ed.), Synergy (p. 0). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195333169.003.0007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195333169.001.0001

Magill, R. A., & Anderson, D. (2017). Motor learning and control. McGraw-Hill Education.

Mann, D. T. Y., Williams, A. M., Ward, P., & Janelle, C. M. (2007). Perceptual-cognitive expertise in sport: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 29(4), 457–478. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.29.4.457 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.29.4.457

Milton, J., Solodkin, A., Hluštík, P., & Small, S. L. (2007). The mind of expert motor performance is cool and focused. NeuroImage, 35(2), 804–813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2007.01.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2007.01.003

Masters, R. S. W. (1992). Knowledge, knerves and know-how: The role of explicit versus implicit knowledge in the breakdown of a complex motor skill under pressure. British Journal of Psychology, 83(3), 343–358. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1992.tb02446.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1992.tb02446.x

Nakagawa, J., An, Q., Ishikawa, Y., Oka, H., Takakusaki, K., Yamakawa, H., Yamashita, A., & Asama, H. (2015). Analysis of human motor skill in dart throwing motion at different distance. SICE Journal of Control, Measurement, and System Integration, 8(1), 79–85. https://doi.org/10.9746/jcmsi.8.79 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9746/jcmsi.8.79

Nasu, D., Yamada, M., Kouzaki, M., & Fukunaga, T. (2014). Two types of motor strategy for accurate dart throwing. PLoS ONE, 9(2), Article e88536. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088536 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088536

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., ... Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Newell, K. M. (1986). Constraints on the development of coordination. In M. G. Wade & H. T. A. Whiting (Eds.), Motor development in children: Aspects of coordination and control (pp. 341–360). Martinus Nijhoff. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4460-2_19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4460-2_19

Nideffer, R. M. (1976). Test of attentional and interpersonal style. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34(3), 394–404. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.34.3.394 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.34.3.394

Putnam, C. A. (1993). Sequential motions of body segments in striking and throwing skills. Journal of Biomechanics, 26(Suppl. 1), 125–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(93)90084-R DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(93)90084-R

Schmidt, R. A., & Lee, T. D. (2011). Motor control and learning. Human Kinetics.

Smith, D. J. C., Furley, P., Wunderlich, F., Heuer, H., & Memmert, D. (2025). The perils of the first try: Experimental evidence for visuomotor calibration in darts and hammering. Psychological Research, 89, Article 126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-025-02161-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-025-02161-w

Schmidt, R. A., & Bjork, R. A. (1992). New conceptualizations of practice: Common principles in three paradigms suggest new concepts for training. Psychological Science, 3(4), 207–217. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1992.tb00029.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1992.tb00029.x

Shea, J. B., & Morgan, R. L. (1979). Contextual interference effects on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of a motor skill. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 5(2), 179–187. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.5.2.179 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.5.2.179

Simsek, D., & Ayaz Kanat, E. (2021). The sensory-motor control of skilled dart players. Bozok International Journal of Sport Science, 2(1), 80–89.

Stins, J. F., Schneider, I. K., Koole, S. L., & Beek, P. J. (2018). Sequential performance effects in dart throwing. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 591. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00591 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00591

Tumialis, A., Nikooyan, A. A., Scholz, J. P., & Latash, M. L. (2020). Motor program transformation in dart throwing. Brain Sciences, 10(1), Article 55. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10010055 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10010055

Winstein, C. J., & Schmidt, R. A. (1990). Reduced frequency of knowledge of results enhances motor skill learning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 16(4), 677–691. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.16.4.677 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.16.4.677

Vickers, J. N. (2007). Perception, cognition and decision training. Human Kinetics.

Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2015). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human Kinetics.

Williams, A. M., & Davids, K. (1998). Visual search strategy, selective attention, and expertise in soccer. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 69(2), 111–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1998.10607677 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1998.10607677

Wilson, M. R., Vine, S. J., & Wood, G. (2009). The influence of anxiety on visual attentional control in basketball free throw shooting. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 31(6), 761–775. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.31.6.761 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.31.6.761

Wulf, G. (2013). Attentional focus and motor learning: A review of 15 years. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 6(1), 77–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2012.723728 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2012.723728

Wulf, G., & Prinz, W. (2001). Directing attention to movement effects enhances learning: A review. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 8(4), 648–660. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03196201 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03196201

Zeniya, H., & Tanaka, H. (2021). Effects of different types of analogy instruction on the performance and inter-joint coordination of novice darts learners. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 57, Article 102053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102053 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102053

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)

  • Naim Ćeleš, Jasmin Budimlić, Nijaz Skender, Natalija Kurtović, Marjan Ninčević, Goran Sporis, Mate Vukoja, Boriss Bazanov, Ivica Franjko, Ahmet Naci Dilek, Maki Grle, Jerko Prlić, Dejan Tiric, Bozenka Galic Tiric, Tolga Tek, Patrik Kramarić, Ivan Duroci, Besnik Morina, Davor Ljesević, Ernest Šabić, Davorin Antonić, Dražen Čular, Ivica Franjko, Ivan Duroci, Davor Ljesević, Hrvoje Ajman, Željko Širić, Zeljko Kovacevic, Besnik Morina, Milan Milošević, Veljko Vukicevic, Kinesiology in the 21st century , Sustainability and Sports Science Journal: Vol. 4 No. 4 (2026): Next Issue