Keeping your elbow aligned with your shoulder, my friend, is absolutely fundamental. It ensures your throwing arm moves consistently in a straight, vertical line. If your elbow drifts out to the side, it adds sideways movement, pulling your darts off course.
Ideally, as your arm moves through the throw, your elbow should stay pretty much "under" your shoulder, or move straight towards the board, rather than swinging wide. Imagine a vertical line from your shoulder down through your elbow – try to keep your elbow moving along that line. If your elbow "flies out" to the side, it's a common reason darts land inconsistently left or right of the target. Practice in front of a mirror to see and correct any sideways elbow movement. This ensures your arm acts like a piston, driving directly towards the board.
