At first notice one thing: Talking about energy rules always means talking about motivation, too! A player who is hardly motivated will find it very difficult to play at a high energy level.

What is Energy Dart Rule?
It's mostly about how you feel during a game and how you handle the situation. Players who are aware and concentrated play at a high energy level. Players who don't care much about what's going on are at a low energy level. In sports psychology energy is also defined by a positive - negative environment. Therefore your energy state can be described in four ways: High positive (A), high negative (B), low positive (C), low negative (D). These for "sectors" are put in the diagram belowe. The smiles in the diagram tell you how you feel when you are in a particular energy state:

High and low: Understanding the difference between high and low energy is relatively easy. A player at a low energy level doesn't care much about the game's outcome. Perhaps you will know this situation from days you haven't been motivated much or when you are tired or bored. High energy means full concentration, awareness of the game and lots of motivation.

Positive and Negative of Energy Dart Rule
Negative energy is a little bit difficult to understand. It occurs when you absolutely want to win and try really hard for it. You don't have fun along the game, it's more like pushing and working hard, fighting all along. It's a kind of "Thomas Muster Game" when you compare it to Tennis. High positive energy is more like typical "Andre Agassi": Having fun along the game, everything is going easy. Much concentration and awareness, sure, but with a touch of "easy - going". Most sporters describe this high positive energy simply as "fun" along the game. You love darting, you like playing, even if it's a tough match.

The important thing on this subject now is that three energy situation types (B-D) effect your game, allowing you to play only at a particular percentage of your 100 per cent capabilities. Let's have a look at the different types.

Energy Dart Rule-Type D, Low Negative Energy
This surely is the worst case that can happen. Immediately try to raise your energy! Bad concentration, bad thoughts In this energy state you usually can't play at more than 50-60 per cent of your capability.

Energy Dart Rule-Type C, Low Positive Energy
Nearly the same as type D, but it is a little better to move to the type A optimum.

Energy Dart Rule-Type B, High Negative Energy
Second best energy state. High concentration, but very negative thinking. Normally combined with tension. Most players can achieve up to 80 per cent of their maximum capability.

Energy Dart Rule-Type A, High Positive Energy
Best energy state. Can be best described as "having fun on what you are doing". 100 per cent play possible.