If you have been trying, some of the many, new practice drills and games that have been dreamt up, you may be wondering where they came from. SwitchBlade, Middle For Diddle and Sprint (Pro) Half-It were developed by A.I.M:, to assist players they coach and Kill Bull looks like a Mikko Laiho / Winmau game. Today you can hear, about one of the most famous doubles drills, from the man who invented it! Bob Anderson talks through his Bob’s 27 Routine.
Coach’s Comments:
Now I must own up to a bias, Bob is a man after my own heart in many ways. He was also a seriously good player! As important is his understanding of the game and how to improve and or maintain your performance. It is no accident that Bob had a very long Professional career and still plays to a very high standard, in exhibition and competitive matches, aged over 70.
It may also be significant that Bob was one of the first darts players to have a background in a different (athletic) sport. Gerwyn Price has repeated the trick in this era.
Bob’s first point is one of my favourite rules. Have an aim to your practice, don’t just throw aimlessly at the twenties, etc. Bobs next tip is to focus heavily on finishing and hitting that double, his ‘Bob’s 27’ is legendary. Watch it through and give it a few goes. This sets your benchmark and then you should add it to your daily routine. Many players use it as part of their early session or near the start of a longer one.
If you want evidence of how this improves your game check out Bob’s efforts in the 1986 World Masters:
The Limestone Cowboy was as good as they come and, in spells, was outstanding! 151,120,150 & 154! Not often you see that even today. These were hit under serious pressure, on a round wired board, in a major tournament and in quick succession.
So if you want to improve your doubles/finishing listen to Bob Anderson!
This is what ‘Coach’ calls a development (or reset) drill. While high-level players will play it as a warm-up or settling routine, shorter sharper drills can be better for those at the top. Bob’s 27 gives equal focus to every double, great when your developing, whereas sometimes a sharper focus on those that are used most often is more beneficial.
Pic: Steve Dazsko
