I'm in a bot of a limbo at the moment. I'm trying to deal with the mental side of the game. I'm happy with how I throw, stance, oche position etc but seem overthinking. I chatted to a few people over the two nights, and many have the similar problem of 'shutting off' and not thinking when throwing. I honestly believe my average would go up by 10 points if I could just switch off. So this is my focus for the next few weeks.
Wednesday 11th December 2024
A bit of an up and down night. In places I was throwing great, especially the first nine darts, but at times I got really nervous. This cost me in the last 16, where I was cruising, but then over-thought the finish. I would slow down quite a bit too, which is not really my natural game. In the group stages, I won 2 and lost 2. No arguments about the losses, as both players played well. The matches I won, were about right too. I just wish I could play with similar ease in the knockout stages. For a few weeks, I could do this and made back to back finals, but that part has started to fail me. The final was played with 60+ averages, so I need to up my game, although I'm assuming those 2 players may well be leaving the Under 55 tournaments soon!
Stats: Average: 46.37 First 9 56.24 100+ 5: 140+ 2: 180 0
Thursday 12th December 2024
This, as usual on a Thursday, was an Open tournament , so levels varied. My group was tricky, but doable. I avoided the top players, but my group was still filled with regular 60-70+ average players, so I knew I had to stay focussed. Sadly I didn't wake up in game one. I had opportunities in the first leg, but was sounded beaten by 17 darts in game two. The second game, was another where I had opportunities, but my nervy double thinking haunted me and I lost again. I started better in game 3, but my opponent is a regular 65+ player and he soon levelled and then won the match. My last game, however, was encouraging. I played my best darts and had chances. If I could keep throwing like that, then I'll be more than happy. Just need to fix my head!
Stats: Average: 49.25 First 9 48.15 100+ 2: 140+ 0: 180 0
