Littler's Not the New Taylor – and Why Comparing Them is Totally Missing the Point

By Lewis Barnett 15 May, 2025 5 mins read 96 Views

I swear, every time a young talent bursts onto the scene, we rush to label them "the next [insert legend here]." It's exhausting. And frankly, it does both players a massive disservice.

Colin Lloyd – someone who actually knows what he's talking about in the darts world – has finally said what I've been thinking for months. The comparisons between teenage phenom Luke Littler and the virtually untouchable Phil Taylor are completely pointless.

Audio Summary of the Article

The Kid is Crushing It (On His Own Terms)

Let's get the facts straight. Littler has been absolutely dominant in the Premier League this year. He's sitting pretty at the top with 38 points and has already locked up his spot in the O2 Arena playoffs. FIVE nightly wins. Not too shabby for someone who couldn't even legally buy a pint until recently.

The Warrington wonder is now eyeing that overall league points record of 40. Given his form, I'd be shocked if he doesn't smash it.

Numbers Don't Lie (But They Don't Tell the Whole Story Either)

The stats are mind-blowing when you look at them. 51 100+ averages in 87 matches this year. That's 15 more than Luke Humphries, who's supposedly his closest competition. And don't get me started on his 180 count – a ridiculous 435 so far, putting him 78 ahead of women's World No1 Beau Greaves.

God. Remember when hitting a handful of 180s in a match was impressive?

But here's where I think we're getting it wrong. These numbers aren't evidence that he's "the next Taylor." They're evidence that he's the first Littler.

What Lloyd Actually Said

The former world number one didn't mince words when talking to talkSPORT: "I don't want to use the words 'Taylor-esque' because Taylor was the same. Different era, different players with two completely different people."

He continued with what might be the most important point: "He is not Phil Taylor. He is Luke Littler."

And that's it. That's teh whole argument in five words.

The Rare Breed of Dart-Throwing Aliens

Lloyd did acknowledge something interesting though. There's only been a handful of players throughout history who can "throw sublime darts for a period of time and make it look easy." He puts Littler in that elite category alongside Humphries, Price, and MVG.

I watched Littler play back in February at a local exhibition. The way he approaches the oche – it's like watching someone who's been doing this for 30 years, not someone born in 2007 (which still makes me feel ancient, by the way).

His composure is what gets me. I've seen seasoned pros crumble under half the pressure this kid deals with daily.

Tomorrow's Showdown

If you're a darts fan (and I'm assuming you are if you've read this far), then clear your schedule for tomorrow night. Littler faces Humphries in what should be an absolute thriller on Night 15 of the Premier League.

My prediction? Littler by 2 legs. But don't quote me on that... I also thought England would win the last World Cup, so what do I know?

Look, comparing Littler to Taylor with his 87 major titles is premature at best and unfair at worst. Taylor dominated for decades. Littler's career is just beginning.

Let the kid write his own story.

And for what it's worth, I think it's going to be one hell of a read.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

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.

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.

My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?

Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.

Statistics

The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.

External Links

How To

Mastering Your Grip & Stance

There's no single "correct" way to hold a dart, but there are definitely wrong ways. Most players use 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) with the dart resting primarily on the middle finger. Some pros use 4 or even 5 fingers, but I'd suggest starting with 3.

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