The world of professional darts has long celebrated the contrast between raw, relentless grind and effortless, innate brilliance—and few comparisons capture this divide as vividly as that between the legendary Phil Taylor and the teenage sensation Luke Littler.
Sky Sports darts presenter Polly James recently shared a striking observation that highlights their vastly different philosophies when it comes to preparation and mindset. Speaking on the Double Tops Podcast, James recounted an event she attended alongside Taylor, the 16-time world champion and holder of a record 87 major titles. With a room full of aspiring young players eager for guidance, she posed the question: what advice would the greatest darts player ever give to youngsters hoping to break into the professional ranks and elevate their game?
Taylor’s response embodied his old-school, no-nonsense approach that defined his unparalleled dominance over decades at the oche. He urged the kids to commit to daily, disciplined practice, saying they should “try to hit two 180s every night before you go to bed.” James described him as “a very staunch advocate of just working your a**e off, basically,” a mentality forged through years of grueling sessions that turned him into an unstoppable force and the benchmark for excellence in the sport.
In stark contrast, James pointed to Littler—the 19-year-old current world No. 1, fresh off back-to-back World Championship triumphs and already with 10 PDC Premier event wins under his belt—as a prime example of natural-born talent operating on a different wavelength. While Taylor preached tireless effort, she observed that Littler often approaches big moments with remarkable calm. “You’ve got Littler in the back room literally on his phone doing nothing,” James noted, painting a picture of the young star relaxed and detached in the moments leading up to stepping on stage, rather than sweating over last-minute drills.
This anecdote isn’t just about pre-match routines; it underscores a generational shift in how top players harness their abilities. Taylor’s era demanded constant reinforcement through practice—honing every aspect of technique, stamina, and mental toughness to outlast opponents in grueling tournaments. His advice reflects a belief that greatness is built brick by brick, through sheer volume of work that leaves no room for complacency.
Littler, however, represents a new breed where extraordinary talent appears almost innate. Described by James as a “natural-born talent,” the young champion has stunned the darts world since bursting onto the scene as a teenager. His ability to produce nine-darters, maintain composure under intense crowd pressure, and consistently hit the highest scores suggests a level of instinctive precision that doesn’t require the same exhaustive groundwork. Littler himself has offered advice to aspiring players that aligns with his laid-back vibe: “stay off social media and chase your dreams.” It’s a philosophy that prioritizes focus, enjoyment, and trusting one’s gifts over grinding sessions.
The contrast has sparked fascinating discussions among fans and pundits. Taylor’s work ethic made him a machine, capable of outlasting anyone through sheer determination. Littler’s relaxed demeanor—scrolling on his phone before walking out to face the world’s best—shows how modern stars can thrive on confidence and natural ability, perhaps aided by better training facilities, analytics, and a more supportive professional environment than existed in Taylor’s heyday.
Yet both approaches yield results. Taylor’s dedication delivered an unmatched legacy, while Littler’s effortless style has him rewriting records at a blistering pace, including recent triumphs like the Poland Darts Masters where he showcased his scoring power and nerve. As he prepares for upcoming Premier League nights, such as facing Jonny Clayton in Belfast, Littler remains confident despite a mixed start to the season. “It’s not the best start but there’s still 13 weeks left to get into that top four,” he said recently. “I’ve got loads of time. This weekend has given me massive confidence going into Belfast. I need to start picking up now and start playing better on Thursday.”
Ultimately, the tale of Taylor’s relentless practice versus Littler’s phone-scrolling calm illustrates that there’s no single path to darts supremacy. Whether through grinding out 180s nightly or trusting raw talent in quiet moments, both have captivated audiences and elevated the sport. In an era where Littler is drawing massive crowds and mainstream attention, this clash of philosophies only adds to the intrigue surrounding who might one day stand as the true benchmark for future generations.
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