Humphries Gets Real About Playing Bodyguard to Littler in Germany

By Lewis Barnett 10 June, 2025 5 mins read 41 Views

God, the Germans really don't like Luke Littler, do they?

I've been watching this whole thing unfold and honestly, it's getting a bit ridiculous. The kid can't step foot in Germany without getting absolutely hammered by the crowds. Berlin was brutal. Munich? Even worse. And now they're heading back for the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt this Thursday, and Luke Humphries is basically preparing to be Littler's personal shield.

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Big Brother Mode: Activated

Humphries isn't mincing words about what he'll do if the German fans start their usual nonsense. The 30-year-old world No1 told me he's ready to step into that protective big brother role - and honestly, it's pretty refreshing to see.

"It's just about not getting involved in the crowd isn't it?" he said, which sounds simple enough until you're standing there with 3,000 Germans booing your teammate. "We've just got to make sure that if they're on his back, I'll be there to say: 'Don't worry about what they're doing, focus on your game.'"

Smart approach. But here's the thing that got me thinking...

What Happens When They Face Germany?

Humphries dropped this little gem that made my stomach clench: "And if we play against Germany, that's going to be hard." No kidding, Luke. That's like saying swimming with sharks might be challenging.

The man's been through hostile crowds before - comes with the territory when you're at the top. But Littler? He's still learning how to handle that level of hatred. Poor kid's only 17 and already dealing with more crowd hostility than most players see in their entire careers.

"I've been there, I've had it a little bit before and you just have to focus on the game and not worry about what is going on behind you," Humphries explained. Easy to say. Much harder to do when you're getting death stares from an entire arena.

From Rivals to Teammates (Again)

Here's what's fascinating about this whole setup. Just last month, Humphries absolutely demolished Littler in the Premier League final in London. Now they're supposed to be best mates wearing the St George's flag together?

Actually, it might work perfectly.

Humphries won this exact tournament with Michael Smith last year, crushing Austria in the final. He knows what it takes. And he's already thinking tactically about how to use Littler's strengths - specifically, his ridiculous scoring ability.

"I think he's definitely the best scorer in the world. That's not a lie, it's obvious," Humphries said, and honestly, who's going to argue with that? The kid's averaging numbers that make seasoned pros weep.

The Strategy (And Why It Might Actually Work)

Humphries is considering putting Littler first, which is interesting psychology. Let the young gun set the pace, handle the pressure of opening, while Cool Hand Luke plays cleanup.

"You put him first, he is probably better at going for the bullseye than I am, getting the throws. Only if he's comfortable with it," he explained. That last part's crucial - no point forcing the kid into a role that makes him more nervous.

It worked with Smith last year. Humphries played anchor, let his partner set the standard, then followed through. Sometimes the best leaders know when to step back.

Reality Check Time

Let's be honest about what they're walking into. England gets parachuted into the second round on Saturday along with Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The format's doubles play, which means nowhere to hide if one of them has an off day.

Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis dominated this tournament between 2012 and 2016, winning it four times. Since then? England's been pretty mediocre until Humphries and Smith broke the drought last year.

The pressure's massive. Everyone expects them to steamroll through, but tournaments don't work that way. One bad session and you're done.

The Emotional Reality

What struck me most was Humphries talking about the emotion of winning last year. "You don't expect it but it does because you're just so buzzing. It's really special and he will understand it."

That's the human side people forget about. These aren't machines throwing darts - they're competitors who dream about representing their country and winning trophies that matter.

Littler might feel nervous at first. Hell, he should feel nervous. But that's not necessarily bad. Sometimes nerves sharpen your focus.

"It doesn't matter how we play. As long as we win the trophy, that's what really matters," Humphries said, and that's championship thinking right there.

Thursday can't come fast enough. This is either going to be brilliant or absolutely brutal to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

Statistics

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).

External Links

How To

Throwing Technique: The Basics

The perfect dart throw is all about consistency. Your arm should move like a pendulum, with the elbow as the pivot point. The dart should travel in a straight line toward the target, not in an arc.