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Axe throwing (also spelled “ax” in American English) is quickly evolving from a niche sport to something that countless people are discovering across the country. The sport combines precision, raw power, and the unique experience of throwing an ancient weapon to create an activity that’s impossible not to enjoy.
But many of those who are intrigued by the prospect of axe throwing are discouraged by the fact that they’re unfamiliar with how to do it correctly. Throwing axes can seem like a daunting challenge, especially if you don’t have anyone to provide you with some axe-throwing tips to help you get started.
To help you gain more confidence and figure out how to axe throw, we’ll explore some helpful ax throwing techniques, tips, and tricks you should know. But first, let’s look at a few of the different types of axes that are commonly used in the sport.
Even though there are countless variations of axes used throughout history, not all of them are suitable for throwing. Because of that, most axe-throwing venues utilize a few types that are used in venues that host the sport.
Here are the most common types of throwing axes you should be aware of when learning about throwing axes for beginners.
A hatchet is probably the most popular type of axes used in axe throwing today. They’re very light, relatively small, and are used for various purposes, so they’re convenient to handle and throw without putting too much strain on the arm.
Because of a shorter handler that’s much less bulky than some alternatives, good hatchet axes are also well balanced, making it easier to swing them correctly and hit the target the way you want.
These reasons mean that a hatchet is usually one of the best throwing axes that beginners could use. Learning the basic throwing techniques through a few simple axe-throwing technique exercises is quick and simple, meaning that even someone who hasn’t thrown an axe can quickly get the hang of it and be on their way to mastering their ultimate hatchet toss in no time.
Another popular option you’re likely to find in axe-throwing establishments is the tomahawk. It’s an American classic that’s become widely used as a throwing axe because it’s also light, thin, and very convenient to handle.
Even though it may not be as common as a hatchet, it’s also an excellent option for a beginner, as long as you feel like the axe is comfortable and feels good in your hand. Another crucial aspect to consider is that the axe should be as sharp as possible to ensure it sticks to the target, since beginners typically produce less force than professionals.
As the name implies, a splitting axe is designed for splitting and chopping firewood. They have a long handle that helps create more force and quickly break down wood into smaller pieces.
Splitting axes are typically much heavier than hatchets or tomahawks since they need the added weight to penetrate and split wood logs. Because they’re heavier and designed to swing downwards, splitting axes are not a great choice in terms of throwing axes for beginners.
The double-bit axe has been around for a long time and was an integral tool used by forest workers until recently. As the name implies, it has two edges, one sharper and the other blunter, and is designed for felling and limbing trees.
Because it has two edges for different purposes, it was a very convenient tool for forest workers, as it allowed them to carry just one axe and quickly work through various tasks.
Today, this axe has become a staple in axe-throwing competitions, especially among professional and more advanced competitors.
The final type of axe used in axe-throwing competitions is the felling axe. Its distinctive features are the long handle and a hefty head, which can weigh as much as 2.75 pounds to meet competition regulations.
These axes are not commonly used in axe throwing, but they have a specific purpose, making them a part of the sport. In the IATF axe-throwing championships, this type of axe is used as a tie-breaker.
One of the first tips for axe throwing you are likely to get is that you should start with a two-handed throw to stay safe and have a better chance of executing a successful throw. Throwing with two hands puts your body in a more stable position and gives you much more control over the axe’s trajectory, speed, and motion.
What’s more, when you throw an axe with two hands, it’s much less likely to slip out of your hands, which could put you and the people around you in danger. At the same time, the controlled motion will help prevent injuries since your entire body will move in unison as you execute the throw.
Your goal should be for the axe to rotate only once before hitting the board to achieve consistent results. Most people must stand around 12-15 feet from the target for the proper rotation. As you discover your throwing technique and how fast the axe rotates, you can make small adjustments to fine-tune the distance and ensure that it hits parallel to the board after a single rotation.
But what are some essential ax throwing tips for executing a two-handed throw?
The first step of the process is ensuring that it’s safe to throw the axe in the first place. Your main goal when enjoying axe throwing should always be to keep yourself and others safe. So, before you even get into your axe-throwing stance, look around to see if there is at least six feet of space between you and the closest person. Also, evaluate that there’s no one in the throwing path between you and the target. If you’re with a group, make sure they know you’re about to be throwing.
After performing a thorough check to see that it’s safe to throw, you can get into the static stance of throwing an axe with two hands. Pick up the axe and bring it over your head with both hands. Your dominant hand should be the one that is closer to the axe head since it will do most of the guiding. When holding the axe, be sure you don’t grip it too hard, just enough to keep it stable. If you grip it too hard, it will be more difficult to direct the axe as you let it go.
To release the axe, you’ll need to bring your axe forward while keeping it straight and hurling it towards the target. If you’re doing it for the first time, it’s a good idea to practice the motion of bringing the axe over your head and back in front at least a few times. This will help you understand the movement and how the axe feels in your hands at different points of the rotation.
You should aim to release the axe at your eye level for best results. If you are facing the target straight on, this should give you the best shot of accurately throwing the axe, increasing the likelihood of hitting the target.
In the beginning, you will need to adjust the distance between you and the target depending on how the blade hits the target board. If you’re lucky, the axe will hit parallel to the board. If so, you are at the right distance and can start practicing and refining your skills. If it over-rotates, you will need to take a little step further to adjust. If it under-rotates, you may want to take a half step back to give your axe a bit more space to complete its motion before it hits the target.
As you improve, you will become more aware of how different movements create more or less rotation and can fine-tune your approach. But for starters, getting used to hitting the board in a parallel position is essential to build your skills in the correct form and throwing motion.
In the beginning, you will want to primarily focus on the two-handed throw as it’s much more stable and accessible without experience. However, as you get better, you will probably want to learn how to throw an axe one-handed since it’s a technique that most professionals use.
One of the reasons why beginners should not use the one-handed technique is that it makes aligning the axe and preventing it from spinning sideways much more difficult. If you don’t have a solid grip and feel of the axe as you release it, the throw will be unpredictable, and you won’t achieve consistent results.
However, there’s a reason that most professionals use the one-handed throw most of the time. It allows for more precise control of the release because you don’t have to simultaneously let go of the axe with both hands, which can be less consistent. If you can achieve a constant rotation, throwing with one hand will give you better results and fewer variables to worry about throughout the process.
When learning the hatchet throwing technique with one hand, grab it by the end of the handle and bring it just past your ear. The key thing to remember is that the axe must be perfectly aligned with your side of the face, as any tilting to either side will cause it to spin out of control and fail to hit the board.
Once the head of the axe is nearly at your shoulder, use a single motion to release it towards the board, making a conscious effort to keep it as straight and parallel as possible. Release the axe when its handle is in a straight, vertical position, with the head pointing towards the target.
If you hit the target and the handle is parallel to the board, you are at the correct distance and can continue practicing. And just as before, you should get closer to the board if the axe over-rotates and step back if it under-rotates.
However, don’t rush into the one-handed throw before you master the two-handed throw discussed above. It’s better for safety and will be much more enjoyable because a two-handed axe throw allows even complete beginners to start hitting the board at a consistent rate quickly.
Many more advanced throwers stick to the two-handed throw in many situations because it gives them more control over many of the crucial aspects that ultimately determine their success. But at the same time, after becoming more confident in your ability, you should at least give the one-handed throw a chance because it does offer unique advantages and can help some people take their game to the next level.
Throwing axes can seem like a big challenge, especially when you’re new to the game. But even people who have never held an axe can quickly master the safe and effective two-handed throw perfect for getting started.
If you want to try your hand at axe throwing in San Antonio, Axe Master offers a safe and fun experience for adults of all ages.
Book today and discover the thrilling world of axe throwing with your friends!
