JDC academy resource
Routine Overview
A clear guide to the JDC Challenge routine: 57 darts covering precision, board movement and finishing pressure.
Phase one
Shanghai 10-15
Format and rules
- 18 darts total: 3 darts at each number from 10 to 15.
- Singles, doubles and trebles count at face value.
- A Shanghai, single, double and treble on the same number, adds a 100 point bonus.
Key strategy
- Developing and newer players should lead with the single. Dart 1 into the big single segment secures points, settles the rhythm and leaves two darts to explore the treble or double.
- Advanced players can work treble, double, single. Taking the smallest target first removes pressure and leaves the wider beds to complete the 100 point bonus.
Phase two
Around the Clock Doubles
Format and rules
- 21 darts total: exactly 1 dart at each double from D1 to D20.
- Each double hit scores 50 points.
- The phase finishes on the bullseye for 100 points.
Key strategy
- Aim for the centre of the bed. Do not try to shave the wire, as aiming dead-centre gives more room for both high and low releases.
- Micro-adjust along the oche. Take a small step to keep the shoulder and sightline square rather than twisting awkwardly around the board.
- Treat every double as a 1-dart game. Take a breath after a miss and make the next target a fresh opportunity.
Phase three
Shanghai 15-20
Format and rules
- 18 darts total: 3 darts at each number from 15 to 20.
- Standard face-value scoring applies.
- A completed Shanghai adds a 100 point bonus.
Key strategy
- Manage the high-value swings. A Shanghai on 20 is worth 220 points in one visit, so keep the same tactical routine used in Section 1.
- Combat late-round fatigue. Numbers 19 and 20 arrive at the end of the 57 darts, so keep the elbow elevated, stay upright and finish every throw fully.
General strategic mindset
The clean singles foundation
New and developing academy players often make the mistake of chasing low-percentage trebles or outer double wires immediately. The scoring math of the JDC routine rewards board discipline and clean segment control.
The all-singles floor
Hitting three single segments on every visit in Section 1 and Section 3, without a single treble, double or Section 2 point, gives exactly 540 points. That baseline is already Green Shirt territory.
Consistency over high-risk misses
A dart that completely misses while chasing a double scores 0. Locking down the large single bed keeps points coming, builds muscle memory and protects confidence.
Seasonal grading
How your final grade is calculated
Best 6 average
Your official grade at the end of the season is based on the average of your best 6 JDC Challenge scores.
Why attendance matters
Attending as many weekly sessions as possible gives you more chances to push your average higher. Off-days and bad weeks simply drop out of the final calculation.
Progression
JDC shirt grading tiers
Player progression is benchmarked across seasonal average scores.
| Shirt tier | Score threshold | Development focus |
|---|---|---|
| White | 0-149 pts | Foundation stance and release consistency |
| Purple | 150-299 pts | Single-bed accuracy and grouping |
| Yellow | 300-449 pts | Single control and first doubles |
| Green | 450-599 pts | Board navigation and double ring confidence |
| Blue | 600-699 pts | Intermediate scoring and multiple double hits |
| Red | 700-849 pts | Shanghai conversions and pressure doubles |
| Black | 850-1,249 pts | Elite junior standard and high-percentage finishing |
| Gold | 1,250+ pts | Tour and national championship level proficiency |
