Darts star Nathan Aspinall opens up over bizarre backstage ritual as he rejects shocking method used by British boxer

Nathan Aspinall has revealed his unusual pre-match routine involves staring into the mirror and delivering motivational pep talks to himself before walking on stage.

The Asp says he relies on adrenaline to perform at his best and even reminds himself of the prize money on the line moments before matches begin.

The quirky ritual appears to be working after the world No.14 claimed the German Darts Grand Prix title earlier this season.

But Aspinall insists his preparation is nowhere near as extreme as heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois, whose coach famously slapped him during his fight with Fabio Wardley.

Speaking on the Double Tops Podcast, Aspinall said: “It’s basically motivational speaking to myself in the mirror. I’m geeing myself up, giving myself a pep talk because I need adrenaline.

“If I’m flat, there’s no point even going on stage.

“But it’s not like Dubois’ coach slapping him in the corner the other night.

“I’m not hitting myself or anything, but I do stand there talking to myself in the mirror. I’ll say, ‘Come on Nath, come on, ten minutes.’

“The games are over so quickly. You can practise for three hours and then suddenly it’s a best-of-11 leg match that lasts 15 minutes.

“So before I walk on, I’ll look at myself and say, ‘Come on Nath, 20 grand here.’ Stuff like that.

“And if I win, I’ll walk back off and tell myself, ‘Well done.’”

Aspinall also reflected on how dramatically darts has evolved over the last decade and a half, insisting it can no longer be labelled a pub sport.

The Stockport ace says the explosion of darts academies across the country is producing a new generation of players, with many clubs now overwhelmed by demand.

He added: “The amount of academies now is unbelievable.

“When I started 15 years ago, I practised in a pub. That’s where I learned the game.

“Now there are academies everywhere and I’ve got one myself in Stockport.

“We’ve got a waiting list of around 40 kids because we physically can’t get enough staff.

“I know of some academies with 300 children involved. Luke Littler has one in St Helens and there are more opening all over the country.

“So it’s not a pub sport anymore, even though people still say it and it annoys me.

“It’s becoming more like football.

“The next step is making sure these young players are prepared for the media side of things because social media can be a horrible place.

“These kids need educating on that side of the game, just like footballers are now. I think darts has reached that level.”