ULTIMATE AXE THROWING GUIDE
HOW TO THROW AN AXE
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BECOMING AN AXE THROWER
As axe throwing becomes more and more popular in recent years, even being featured on ESPN, more people have realized the sport is incredibly enjoyable.
We want to give you the tools to succeed whether you’re coming to an event with us, want to join one of our tournaments, or want to take up axe throwing at home!
HOW TO THROW AN AXE: THE BASICS
1. What Axe Should I Use?
You’re going to need to start with a very sharp axe. The sharper the better. Despite what you might think, a sharper axe will be much safer since it will have a much higher chance to stick in the boards without using so much force! Throwing axes cannot be found in local hardware stores, those axes are designed to split wood. When axe throwing, we want to stick the axes in the target, not split it in half. A sharp axe will not only help you stick the axe in the target, but it will also make the target boards last longer.
2. Axe Throwing Target Design
In addition to a sharp axe, you’ll need an axe throwing target. Traditionally, targets are made of five vertical 2″x10″ wooden planks arranged next to each other. When the target is in place, whether on a target stand, a wall, or a combination of the two, you can then use the stencil and markers to draw your target, including bullseye and Killshot (which is worth the most points).
3. Axe Throwing Safety
Safety should always be the number one priority when throwing axes. You should make sure before you throw there is never anyone between you and the target and you have a minimum of a six-foot radius around you that is clear of any other people. If you’re throwing at a venue or with a partner, you’ll want to make sure you throw the axes together and retrieve the axes together.
4. Axe Throwing Stance
After ensuring the area is clear you will want to take one of two stances:
Throwing the axe with two hands you should line up directly in line with the bullseye about 12 feet away from the target. We may need to adjust the distance depending on the rotation of the axe.
If you’re throwing the axe with one hand you will line up with the shoulder of your throwing arm in line with the bullseye, again approximately 12 feet from the target. Two handed throwing is easier for beginners.
How To Throw an Axe Two-Handed: for Beginners
Hold the axe gingerly as if you were holding a golf club. The harder you grip the axe, the more difficult it will be to let go while keeping the axe straight.
1. Bring the axe back directly over your head as if throwing a soccer ball.
2. Bring your arms forward and release the axe at eye level.
3. Depending on how the axe hits the target, we will need to adjust distance.
- If the blade hits parallel to the boards you’re at the perfect distance, stay there and perfect your throw.
- If the top of the axe hits the board, you over-rotated and should take a half step closer to the target.
- If the bottom of the axe hits the board, you under-rotated and should take a half step backwards.
How To Throw an Axe One-Handed: More Advanced
Make sure not to grip the axe too tightly as it can cause it to spin sideways. This is bad because we want the axe head to line up with the vertical wood grain.
To throw one-handed bring the axe back past your ear making sure not to tilt left to right.
- The axe should nearly touch your shoulder before starting your forward motion.
- Follow through throwing the axe as if you were throwing a dart and release the axe when the handle is straight up and down.
- Make the distance adjustments mentioned above depending on how your axe hits the board.