How Does Gary Anderson Throw? This Is the Technique, Setup and Mindset of The Flying Scotsman

Gary Anderson is known for one of the most natural and smooth throwing actions on the professional circuit. His game looks relaxed, but behind that simplicity lies a clear structure. In the how to throw video below, he shows exactly how he stands, aims and releases the dart.

In this blog, you will discover how Gary Anderson throws, which darts he uses and what you can learn from his technique, equipment choices and mindset.

Gary Anderson’s Throw and Grip Explained

The foundation of his technique is simple: everything must be in a straight line.

His toe, chin and right eye are aligned towards the treble 20. He stands fairly flat at the oche and keeps his upper body stable. No major shoulder rotation and no unnecessary movement.

His throw consists of three phases:

• Dart back

• Short pause

• Controlled push forward

That small pause, his characteristic stop and push, gives him control. When he is in flow, those corrections disappear and darts two and three follow automatically. The first dart sets the rhythm of the visit.

Anderson uses a compact grip with clear pressure points.

Most of the pressure sits between the thumb and middle finger. The front finger supports the barrel, but only two fingertips are actively making contact. During the backswing, the dart slightly slides along the thumb, releasing part of the tension for a controlled release.

According to Anderson, you gain more control when holding the dart slightly further away from the point. The further your grip is from the tip, the more influence you have over the direction of the dart.

Setup, Equipment and Long Points

Gary Anderson plays with the Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90% in 23 grams.

Features of this dart:

• 90% tungsten for a slim, professional barrel

• Slightly bulbous shape with a clear pressure point in the middle

• 23 grams for a stable yet controlled throw

• Long points for a flatter entry into the board

The combination of 90% tungsten and 23 grams provides a strong balance between control and stability. The slightly rounded barrel perfectly matches his grip between thumb and middle finger.

Do you play with a straight barrel and notice your grip sometimes slips? Then a model with a clear pressure point, such as the Phase 6, could be interesting to try.

Anderson has been using longer points for decades. His principle is simple: the thicker the barrel, the longer the point. Long points create a flatter entry into the board. This can help with tighter grouping in the treble.

Mindset, Relaxation and Enjoyment

According to Gary Anderson, darts is not only about technique. Relaxation is just as important.

If you play tense, it immediately shows in your throw. His approach is simple: enjoy the game, trust your basics and do not force it. That combination of technique and relaxation has made him so consistent for many years.

If you want to experience how his setup feels, you can check out the Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90% 23 grams and see if it matches your playing style. Consistency is built when technique and equipment work perfectly together.