AIM FOR PERFECTION WITH SAFSA DARTS PLAYERS

27dec19_news1-hero https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/_migrated_english/27dec19_news1-hero.jpg?sfvrsn=3e34f344_2 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/AIM-FOR-PERFECTION-WITH-SAFSA-DARTS-PLAYERS
AIM FOR PERFECTION WITH SAFSA DARTS PLAYERS https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/AIM-FOR-PERFECTION-WITH-SAFSA-DARTS-PLAYERS
27 Dec 2019 | PEOPLE

AIM FOR PERFECTION WITH SAFSA DARTS PLAYERS

Military Expert (ME) 4 Andrew Ho and ME3 Devarajan give tips on the art of darts.

// Story Chia Chong Jin

// Photos Kenneth Lin

// Videographer Peter Cho

English Melayu

Just like any other sport, being good in darts requires consistent training and practice. The duo and their SAFSA darts team members train up to twice a week, and compete in a local league where they play once every week.

ME3 Devarajan (centre, holding trophy) and ME4 Ho (second from right) with the SAFSA darts team, which clinched gold at the 2019 Public Service STAR Games Darts Tournament.

For those who are unsure about the competitive standards: Most professional steel-tip dart matches are "501 up" - each player starts with a score of 501 and takes turns to throw three darts.

The score for each turn is calculated and deducted from the player's total. Bullseye scores 50, the outer ring scores 25 and a dart in the double or treble ring counts for double or triple the segment score.

The main objective of the game is to be the first player to reduce the score to exactly zero, the only caveat being that the last dart thrown must land in a double or the bullseye.

Both ME4 Ho and ME3 Devarajan emphasised the importance of enjoying the game and not letting stress affect your performance.

Watch as they talk about the important qualities a dart player must have; the difference between steel-tip and soft-tip darts; and give tips on picking up darts as a competitive sport:

In case you can't view the video, here are the tips they mentioned:

1. Learn how to do mental calculations quickly. Soft-tip darts are commonly used on electronic dartboards which can automatically keep score for you. When playing with traditional steel-tip darts, it is important to be able to calculate the score quickly in order to better analyse the game and not lose momentum.

2. Practise with a purpose. In a real dart competition, the player often feels immense pressure as everyone will be watching the individual. It is important to include mental training in your weekly practices, so that the pressure does not get to you during crucial moments.

Suggested Reading
13sep24_news1_photo1
Cover story
Self-serve IKEA style & hawker meal options at SAF Cookhouses
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

Laksa, fried fish noodle soup and nasi lemak – these hawker dishes are the latest array of food served in SAF cookhouses. 

Feature
FROM NURSE TO ARMY OFFICER
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

Inspired by her four older brothers, 2LT Zakiah Huda Binte Sapari answered her calling to serve on a bigger scale and joined the SAF.

Feature
S’pore, China conclude bilateral naval exercise
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted the third edition of Exercise Maritime Cooperation from 1 to 5 Sep with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Cover story
Tekong - the OG cookhouse
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

How does the cookhouse food at Pulau Tekong compare to other camps? We find out.

Feature
From coast to coast
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

RSS Stalwart has sailed more than 20,500km by now, and taken part in multiple exercises

30aug24_news1_photo1
Cover story
Yes, Sir!
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

We’ve all met interesting commanders in Basic Military Training (BMT) whom we will remember forever. Find any of these familiar?

27aug24_news1_photo1 Feature
Mr Lawrence Wong's first visit to BMTC as Prime Minister
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

He joined two companies of recruits in a run, and took part in a strength conditioning exercise and a SAR 21 technical handling training session.

Overcoming challenges to graduate as SAF specialists
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

3SG Shi Huan Kai and ME1 Tivya d/o Tamil Selvan faced different challenges when they enlisted, but both were determined to do their best and have now graduated as newly minted specialist leaders.

21aug24_news1_photo1 Feature
Retired military dogs find furever home
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

After spending most of their lives in service, these canine soldiers find a home to “ORD” in.

13aug24_news1_photo1
Cover story
Invaluable ASSeTs
PEOPLE
27 Dec 2019

What are the items that the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Accompanying Sea Security Team (ASSeT) operators have on them when they carry out boarding and search operations on commercial vessels out at sea?