Axe throwing has taken off in recent years. In fact, it has gained such popularity that there are now leagues dedicated to this sport. This sport involves nothing more than throwing an axe at a target to collect points. Accuracy is of great importance, as an accurate throw leads to more points. What should a person know when trying this sport for the first time?
Safety First
Always listen to the rules of the facility, as safety must always be the top priority. A person is throwing an axe, which can be dangerous. Once the safety rules are known, it is time to begin throwing axes. A person must know what to expect when axe throwing.
Axe Selection
Most people throw a hatchet. However, there might be other choices available. For example, a facility might offer the choice of tomahawk, double-bit axe, felling axe, or splitting axe. Understand the differences between the various options to ensure the right one is selected.
The Throwing Stance
Most league players say the person’s stance is the most important part of the throw. Once a person masters this, they will consistently throw well. Choose a throwing distance and stick with it. Doing so makes it easier to alter other aspects of the stance to be more accurate
The throwing arm and trailing foot should both be in alignment with the aim point. Ensure the chest remains parallel to this point. Face the target at the selected throwing distance and align the outside shoulder with the aim point.
The outside shoulder is the shoulder on the same side of the body as the back foot. Step straight back with the back foot approximately 12 to 18 inches.
Slightly lean forward and find a balance between both feet. This is the stance that will be used when throwing the axe.
The Grip
Every person must find a grip they are comfortable with. Most beginners choose to use a cross-thumb grip. The dominant hand rests at the bottom of the axe handle. Pretend to shake hands with the axe to get the right grip.
The non-dominant hand should cover the dominant hand. Cross the thumb to make an X on the handle and keep the blade perfectly straight. Once this grip has been mastered, a person can begin experimenting with others.
Axe Height and Angle
Stand straight and extend the throwing arm. Maintain the correct grip while doing so. Many people choose to extend the arm that won’t throw the axe horizontally as well. Keep the hand open and fingers together on this arm if doing so. The throwing arm should point directly at the target, while the non-throwing arm sits at a slight angle to the target.
This angle determines where the axe will begin rotating. Keep the wrist in one position when doing so, as any movement will affect the rotation. Take the horizontal thumb on the throwing hand and place it in the grove between the middle and index fingers of the other hand.
Launch the Axe
Shift weight to the back foot. At the same time, bring the axe over the head to the back. It should end up between the shoulder blades. Now, shift your body weight forward and bring the axe of the head in one smooth motion. Keep the blade aligned with the target throughout this motion.
Release the ax as the wrist start to come below the forehead. Continue the follow-through after releasing the axe and watch where it hits the target. It’s that easy.
With practice, anyone can pick up this sport. Try it today and see why so many have fallen in love with this activity. It’s great fun.
Axe throwing has taken off in recent years. In fact, it has gained such popularity that there are now leagues dedicated to this sport. This sport involves nothing more than throwing an axe at a target to collect points. Accuracy is of great importance, as an accurate throw leads to more points. What should a person know when trying this sport for the first time?
Safety First
Always listen to the rules of the facility, as safety must always be the top priority. A person is throwing an axe, which can be dangerous. Once the safety rules are known, it is time to begin throwing axes. A person must know what to expect when axe throwing.
Axe Selection
Most people throw a hatchet. However, there might be other choices available. For example, a facility might offer the choice of tomahawk, double-bit axe, felling axe, or splitting axe. Understand the differences between the various options to ensure the right one is selected.
The Throwing Stance
Most league players say the person’s stance is the most important part of the throw. Once a person masters this, they will consistently throw well. Choose a throwing distance and stick with it. Doing so makes it easier to alter other aspects of the stance to be more accurate
The throwing arm and trailing foot should both be in alignment with the aim point. Ensure the chest remains parallel to this point. Face the target at the selected throwing distance and align the outside shoulder with the aim point.
The outside shoulder is the shoulder on the same side of the body as the back foot. Step straight back with the back foot approximately 12 to 18 inches.
Slightly lean forward and find a balance between both feet. This is the stance that will be used when throwing the axe.
The Grip
Every person must find a grip they are comfortable with. Most beginners choose to use a cross-thumb grip. The dominant hand rests at the bottom of the axe handle. Pretend to shake hands with the axe to get the right grip.
The non-dominant hand should cover the dominant hand. Cross the thumb to make an X on the handle and keep the blade perfectly straight. Once this grip has been mastered, a person can begin experimenting with others.
Axe Height and Angle
Stand straight and extend the throwing arm. Maintain the correct grip while doing so. Many people choose to extend the arm that won’t throw the axe horizontally as well. Keep the hand open and fingers together on this arm if doing so. The throwing arm should point directly at the target, while the non-throwing arm sits at a slight angle to the target.
This angle determines where the axe will begin rotating. Keep the wrist in one position when doing so, as any movement will affect the rotation. Take the horizontal thumb on the throwing hand and place it in the grove between the middle and index fingers of the other hand.
Launch the Axe
Shift weight to the back foot. At the same time, bring the axe over the head to the back. It should end up between the shoulder blades. Now, shift your body weight forward and bring the axe of the head in one smooth motion. Keep the blade aligned with the target throughout this motion.
Release the ax as the wrist start to come below the forehead. Continue the follow-through after releasing the axe and watch where it hits the target. It’s that easy.
With practice, anyone can pick up this sport. Try it today and see why so many have fallen in love with this activity. It’s great fun.
