Football Darts is an entertaining and competitive hybrid game that combines the features of football and darts. There is no substitute for this game for those who love American football very much. Because this game is played according to American football rules. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about playing football darts, mastering the rules and techniques.
Equipment Needed
- No of Players- At least two or more as a Team
- Dartboard- An expertly produced quality
- Darts Set- Three for each player
Football Darts Rules of the Game
To be more specific, basically we are talking about American football. In darts, the game is actually based on football—American football. This shows that there are many similarities between the scoring system, terminology, and organization of darts and an actual football game.
In Football Darts, the goal is to score points by hitting a specific area on the dartboard in a certain order. This area is the horizontal part of the dartboard between the double 11 and double 6, and it goes back to the start. Each player has their own “team” and their own end zone. The double 11 is the end zone for the first team, and the double 6 is the end zone for the second team.
Before the game starts, each player throws one dart at the double ring in the middle of the board. The player whose dart lands closest to the ‘bull’ goes first.
When it’s your turn, you have 4 chances to move the ball down the field and into your opponent’s area. These chances are divided into three smaller parts called downs. Whenever you hit the right segment for your down, you can move to the next segment. If you miss, your turn ends, and your opponent gets a turn.
To score an arrival, you need to hit the double, single, treble, and single in your end-zone in that exact order. After scoring a touchdown, you can try for a field goal to earn more points. For a field goal, you must hit the outer bull, bullseye, and then the outer bull in sequence to score.
The game might end when a certain number of points is reached, or it could end after a set amount of time. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
How to Play Football Darts
First of all, it’s important to know that you have to hit your end zone’s double, single, treble, and single in order to score a touchdown. If you are traveling from left to right, your end zone is the double 11, and if you are traveling from right to left, it is the end zone of double 6.
For a field goal you must score on the outer bull, then the bullseye, and then the outer bull again. In case, the ball is tackled by an intending team in their end zone or the ball goes out of bounds in your team’s end zone then safety is claimed.
You have the option to try an extra point after scoring a touchdown. You have to hit the outer bull, bullseye, and outer bull in that order to earn an extra point. When the timer goes off or one team reaches a predefined point total, the game is over. At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins.
Here is an example of how could be scored is as follows:
You
If you touchdown is 6 points and Bonus point is 1 point. Then total point is 7.
Opponent
If your opponent gets 1 point for a goal on the field and 2 points are for safety purposes; then the total point is 3.
In that case, you win the match with seven points.
Variations of Darts Football Game
If the bull needs to be removed or made simpler for new players, instead of requiring three hits to count, just one hit with the stick will be enough.
For an extra point, a two-point conversion rule can be introduced. This can be done in two different ways.
One way is to give two points if a player hits the double 20.
Another way is for a player to announce a two-point attempt to their opponents. Then, they need to hit the treble 20 to score the points.
These rules are in place because missing the treble is more likely to result in hitting the single 20 than missing the double.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Game of Football Darts
Whether you’re looking to up your performance, mastering key methods can significantly enhance your skills. Here’s a detailed guide on tips and tricks to improve your dart-playing abilities.
- Keep Steady: Stand with your stronger foot in front and your body a bit sideways. Make sure your weight is evenly spread to help your throws be more consistent.
- Proper Distance: The line you throw from (called the oche) is usually 7 feet 9.25 inches away from the dartboard. Always practice from this exact distance to improve your accuracy in games.
- Aim for a Spot: Always try to hit a specific part of the dartboard instead of just throwing randomly. Use your stronger eye to line up the dart with your target.
- Stay Calm: Being too tense can mess up your aim. Take deep breaths and concentrate on the act of throwing, not just the result.
- Focus Only on the Game: Pay attention only to the game and ignore any noise or pressure from others.
- Try Different Darts: Darts have different parts (flights and shafts) that can change how they fly. Try out different combinations to find what works best with your throwing style.
What is a Dart in football?
In American football, a “dart” is when a player makes a fast, sharp, and straight run, usually to take advantage of open space or create a chance to score. This move is often used by forwards or wingers to get past defenders or to be ready for a perfectly timed pass.
These runs need quickness, skill, and good timing to beat the other team. A well-done dart can confuse the defense, leading to scoring opportunities or helping the team move the ball forward in attack. The term highlights the quick, direct movement of the player, similar to a dart being thrown at a target.
How far is the ocky in Darts?
In darts, the “oche” is the line players stand behind when throwing. For standard steel-tip darts, the oche is set 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the dartboard. For soft-tip darts, often used in electronic dartboards, the distance is slightly longer at 8 feet (2.44 meters).
The measurement is taken from the face of the dartboard, not the wall. Ensuring the correct distance is crucial for fair play and consistency in practice or competition.
Where is the best Place to Shoot in Darts?
Where you should aim in darts depends on the game and your plan. For games where you need lots of points, like 501, try to hit the triple 20 area, which gives you the most points (60) in one throw. If you keep hitting this spot, your score will go down fast.
If you’re playing Cricket, aim for important numbers like 20, 19, or the bullseye, depending on how the game is going. To finish a game, focus on doubles, because you need to hit a double to win in games like 501.
If you’re new, aim for bigger areas like the 20s or the bullseye to feel more confident. No matter where you aim, practicing a lot and staying calm are important for hitting the best spots.