Top 10 Axe Throwing Techniques for Beginners

Axe throwing has grown from a lumberjack pastime into a popular sport with leagues and enthusiasts worldwide. For beginners, mastering the art of axe throwing can be both thrilling and challenging. This guide covers the top 10 techniques to help newcomers start their axe throwing journey.

1. Understanding the Basics

Before diving into specific techniques, it’s important to grasp the basics of axe throwing:

• Axe Type: Use a standard throwing axe, which typically weighs around 1.5 to 2 pounds and is balanced for throwing.
• Target: The target should be a wooden board, usually made of softwood, marked with scoring rings.
• Safety: Ensure a clear area around you, and never throw if someone is near the target.

2. The Stance

A proper stance is crucial for accuracy and power:

• Position Your Feet: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to the target.
• Balanced Weight: Distribute your weight evenly on both feet or slightly more on the dominant foot.

3. Gripping the Axe

How you hold the axe affects your throw:

• Firm but Relaxed Grip: Hold the axe handle near the end with your dominant hand, as you would a baseball bat. Your grip should be firm but not tense.
• Thumb Position: Keep your thumb along the side of the handle for better control.

4. The Aim

Aiming is more about body alignment than sighting:

• Body Alignment: Line up your shoulder with the target. Your gaze should be fixed on the exact point where you want the axe to hit.
• Axe Positioning: Hold the axe up at eye level, aligning it with your aim.

5. The Backswing

The backswing is the start of the throwing motion:

• Raise the Axe: Lift the axe over your head, bending your elbows slightly. Keep the blade aligned with your aim.
• Fluid Motion: Ensure your backswing is smooth, which will lead to a more controlled throw.

6. The Step Forward

Incorporating a step can add power to your throw:

• Step With Your Opposite Foot: As you swing the axe forward, take a small step with your non-dominant foot (if you’re right-handed, step with your left foot).
• Coordinate Movement: Time your step with the forward motion of your throw for maximum power.

7. The Release

Releasing the axe correctly is key to accuracy:

• Release at Eye Level: Release the axe when your hand is at eye level.
• Straight Wrist: Keep your wrist straight upon release to ensure the axe doesn’t tilt sideways.

8. The Follow-Through

Your throw’s follow-through is as important as the release:

• Continue the Motion: After releasing the axe, continue to move your arm in the direction of the throw.
• Body Posture: Keep your posture straight and balanced, even after the axe has left your hand.

9. Adjusting Your Throw

Making adjustments is a part of learning:

• Observe and Adapt: Watch where your axe hits and adjust your stance, grip, or power accordingly.
• Distance from Target: If the axe is over-rotating (hitting handle-first), move closer to the target. If it’s under-rotating (hitting blade-first), step back.

10. Practice and Patience

Like any sport, axe throwing requires practice:

• Regular Practice: Consistent practice is essential to develop your technique.
• Patience and Persistence: Don’t get discouraged by initial misses. Learning axe throwing takes time and patience.

Conclusion

Axe throwing is a rewarding sport that combines skill, focus, and strength. By following these top 10 techniques, beginners can lay a strong foundation for their axe throwing skills. Remember, safety comes first, and consistent practice is key to improvement. Enjoy the journey of becoming an adept axe thrower, and most importantly, have fun!