Hypnosis for Dartitis
- Jennifer Wood
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Dartitis: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How Players Overcome It
Dartitis (/dɑːrˈtaɪtɪs/) is a recognized condition that affects a player’s ability to release the dart smoothly and consistently. For some, it appears suddenly. Others notice a gradual decline in control, rhythm, or accuracy. What makes dartitis especially frustrating is that the player often knows exactly what they want to do but cannot get their hand or arm to cooperate at the critical moment.
Although not identical, many compare dartitis to “the yips,” a term used in golf, baseball, and other sports to describe the sudden loss of a basic athletic action. In darts, this may show up as locking up during the throw, releasing too late or too early, experiencing hesitation, or feeling an involuntary jerk in the motion.
What Causes Dartitis?
Dartitis can come from a combination of physical and mental factors. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, several patterns are well documented:
1. Muscle Tension
Players often try to “force” accuracy by tightening the arm or shoulder, which can throw off timing and rhythm.
2. Performance Pressure
The more competitive the environment, the stronger the pressure to perform. For some players, this stress shows up physically.
3. Overthinking the Throw
A smooth throw is a learned, automatic motion. When a player becomes too aware of every small step, the motion can break down.
4. Past Misses or High-Stress Moments
A bad performance or a key missed shot can leave a deeper impression than many realize. The body starts anticipating failure instead of success.
How Dartitis Impacts Players
Even mild cases can cause:
Sudden hesitation during the throw
Trouble releasing the dart
A noticeable drop in accuracy
Loss of confidence
Avoiding practice or tournaments
Feeling embarrassed, frustrated, or confused
For serious players, these changes can feel devastating. Many think they’re alone or worry that the problem is permanent.
The Road to Improvement
With the right approach, players can make meaningful progress. The key is addressing both the physical mechanics and the mental pattern behind the hesitation. This includes:
Re-training the throw in a relaxed, pressure-free way
Resetting muscle memory
Rebuilding confidence through consistent success
Calming the mental “interference” that shows up under pressure
Some players benefit from coaching or mental skills training that helps re-establish the automatic nature of their throw.
Why Mental Conditioning Matters
Dartitis is rarely just a mechanical issue. The mind plays a major role in how smoothly the hand and arm move. When a player feels stuck, worried, or overly focused on technique, the body responds with tension or hesitation.
Techniques that calm the mind and reset expectations can open the door to rapid improvement. When players regain trust in their throw, the motion often becomes smooth again.
Can Dartitis Be Fully Resolved?
For many, yes. Countless players have returned to their original level of play after addressing the underlying cause. Some experience quick improvements, while others benefit from steady, structured work over a few sessions.
The important thing to remember is that dartitis is not a permanent condition. It’s a temporary disruption in a skill the player already knows how to perform.
When to Seek Help
If a player notices that dartitis:
shows up consistently
affects competitive performance
causes stress, frustration, or avoidance
reduces enjoyment of the game
…then it’s worth exploring professional support. The earlier it’s addressed, the easier it generally is to turn around.
Jennifer Wood’s Growing Reputation in Ontario
In recent years, Jennifer Wood, a Consulting Hypnotist has become one of Ontario’s most sought-after professionals for helping darts players overcome dartitis. Her work focuses on restoring confidence, reducing internal pressure, and reconnecting players with the natural throw they once had.
Jennifer has worked with recreational players, league competitors, and tournament champions. Many of them report getting back to the level they used to play at, and in some cases, even surpassing it. Her approach is known for being practical, straightforward, and tailored to each player’s unique experience with dartitis.
If you wish to book an appointment with Jennifer Wood, You can do that by booking a free, no obligation phone consultation to see if this is the right journey for you.