Darts Spotter Explains Why It’s ‘Horrendous’ to Work on a Luke Littler Match
Luke Littler may be a dream to watch for darts fans, but for those working behind the scenes, his matches can be an absolute nightmare.
A darts spotter — the person responsible for telling TV directors where to aim cameras before each dart is thrown — has revealed why covering a Luke Littler match is described as “horrendous”, despite the teenager’s extraordinary talent.
Speaking about the demands of modern darts broadcasting, the spotter explained that Littler’s blistering pace is the biggest challenge. Unlike many players who take their time between throws, Littler plays at relentless speed, often releasing his next dart almost instantly.
“For a spotter, Luke Littler is horrendous,” he admitted. “He’s so quick that you barely have time to process what’s happened before he’s already throwing again.”
The role of a spotter requires thinking ahead of the player, predicting not only the intended target but also what might happen if a dart lands slightly off course. With Littler, there is almost no margin for error.
“You’ve got to be two steps ahead,” the spotter said. “With some players, you have time to adjust if they miss slightly. With Luke, if you’re half a second late, you’ve already lost.”
Littler’s rapid-fire style means camera operators must switch instantly between different sections of the board, relying entirely on the spotter’s instructions. One wrong call can leave the broadcast focused on the wrong target — something viewers might not notice, but production teams certainly do.
Despite the pressure, the spotter was full of praise for the reigning world champion.
“He’s unbelievable to watch,” he added. “But from a production point of view, he keeps you on edge the whole match. There’s no room to relax.”
Littler’s pace has become one of his trademarks, often unsettling opponents and thrilling crowds. Yet behind the scenes, it turns every leg into a high-speed test of concentration and nerves for the broadcast team.
For fans, it’s part of what makes Luke Littler so exciting. For spotters, it’s a reminder that when he’s on stage, there’s simply no time to blink.
