How to throw an axe?

Axe throwing has evolved from a historical skill used in warfare and survival to a popular recreational activity and competitive sport. Once limited to lumberjacks and outdoor enthusiasts, axe throwing is now accessible to nearly everyone through dedicated venues across the country. Whether you’re preparing for your first trip to an axe-throwing venue or looking to improve your technique, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to throw an axe properly, safely, and accurately.

Understanding Axe Throwing Fundamentals

Before diving into the specific techniques, it’s important to understand the basic principles of axe throwing.

The Physics of Axe Throwing

Throwing an axe successfully involves a combination of several physical elements:

1. Rotation – The axe needs to make a controlled rotation in the air
2. Distance – You must stand at the correct distance to allow proper rotation
3. Force – Appropriate power ensures the axe reaches the target
4. Release timing – Letting go at the right moment determines trajectory
5. Consistency – Repeating the same motion for predictable results

According to the science behind axe throwing, the axe follows a predictable path based on physics. When thrown properly, the axe should make approximately one full rotation before striking the target with its blade perpendicular to the board, allowing it to stick firmly.

Types of Axes Used for Throwing

Different types of axes are used in axe throwing, each with unique characteristics:

Axe Type	Weight	Handle Length	Best For	Characteristics
Hatchet	1.25-1.75 lbs	12-16 inches	Beginners	Lightweight, easy to control
Competition Thrower	~2 lbs	14-16 inches	League/Competition	Balanced for consistency
Tomahawk	1-1.5 lbs	14-19 inches	Varied distances	Curved blade, historical style
Double-Bit Axe	2-3 lbs	16-20 inches	Advanced throwers	Blades on both sides of head
Norse/Viking Axe	1.5-3 lbs	16-24 inches	Experienced throwers	Broader blade, distinctive style

For beginners, the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) recommends starting with a standard competition-style throwing axe or hatchet. These axes are specifically designed for throwing rather than chopping wood. As noted by Bad Axe Throwing, “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.”

Essential Safety Guidelines

Safety should always be your top priority when throwing axes.

Venue Safety Rules

Most commercial axe-throwing venues maintain strict safety protocols that all throwers must follow:

1. Never cross the throwing line until instructed to retrieve axes
2. Throw only when the lane is clear of people
3. Maintain a minimum 6-foot radius around you when throwing
4. Throw and retrieve together with partners to avoid dangerous situations
5. Follow all instructions from venue staff or coaches

Personal Safety Considerations

Beyond venue rules, personal safety practices include:

• Proper attire: Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that allows free movement
• Avoid loose clothing: Scarves, loose sleeves, or dangling accessories can catch on the axe
• Stay alert: Never throw when fatigued, impaired, or distracted
• Know your limits: Don’t attempt advanced techniques until you’re comfortable with the basics
• Proper grip: Hold the axe securely but without excessive tension

Safety experts at venues emphasize that axes should be handled with respect. As Firehouse Axes notes, “Make sure that no one is standing in the way – It’s important to double-check for any obstructions in the axe’s path. That way, you will avoid hurting yourself or those around you.”

How to Throw an Axe: The Basic Two-Handed Technique

The two-handed throwing technique is recommended for beginners. It offers better control and is the easiest method to learn.

Proper Stance and Grip

1. Stance:
   • Stand approximately 12 feet (or as marked at the venue) from the target
   • Position your feet shoulder-width apart
   • Square your body to the target, with both shoulders aligned toward it
   • For right-handed throwers, place your left foot slightly forward; for left-handed throwers, place your right foot slightly forward
2. Grip:
   • Hold the axe at the base of the handle with both hands
   • Place your dominant hand below your non-dominant hand
   • Keep a relaxed yet firm grip, similar to holding a golf club
   • Your thumbs should form an “X” on the back of the handle
   • Ensure the blade is perfectly vertical

According to Axe Thro Co, many beginners grip the axe too tightly: “The harder you grip the axe, the more difficult it will be to let go while keeping the axe straight.”

The Throwing Motion

The basic throwing motion consists of:

1. Starting position – Hold the axe in front of you with blade facing the target
2. Draw back – Bring the axe straight back over your head
3. Forward motion – Move the axe forward in one fluid motion
4. Release – Let go of the axe when your arms are extended
5. Follow through – Continue the motion after release

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the technique:

Phase	Action	Key Points
Setup	Position the axe in front of you	Blade facing target, arms extended
Draw Back	Bring axe behind head	Keep elbows relatively straight
Weight Shift	Transfer weight to back foot	Slight lean backward
Forward Motion	Bring axe forward	Smooth, controlled motion
Weight Transfer	Shift weight to front foot	Lean slightly forward
Release	Let go when arms are extended	Release at eye level, both hands simultaneously
Follow Through	Continue arm motion	Swing arms down past your sides

During the throwing motion, breathe naturally – inhale during the draw back and exhale during the forward motion.

The Perfect Release

The release is perhaps the most critical part of the throw:

1. Release the axe when your arms are extended forward and approximately at eye level
2. Let go with both hands simultaneously
3. Do not flick your wrists, which causes over-rotation
4. Keep your wrists locked throughout the motion
5. The axe handle should be almost vertical at the moment of release

As Heber Hatchets explains, “These two things may sound similar, but you’re not so much throwing the axe as you are releasing the axe at the right moment.”

Adjusting Your Distance

After your first throw, you may need to adjust your position based on how the axe hits the target:

• If the top of the axe head hits first (over-rotation): Move 6-12 inches closer to the target
• If the bottom of the axe head hits first (under-rotation): Move 6-12 inches further from the target
• If the axe hits parallel to the board: You’re at the perfect distance

Finding the right distance is essential for proper axe rotation. The goal is for the axe to make one complete rotation before striking the target.

Advanced Throwing Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic two-handed throw, you might want to explore other techniques.

One-Handed Technique

The one-handed throw offers more precision but requires practice:

1. Stance:
   • Position yourself with the shoulder of your throwing arm aligned with the bullseye
   • Stand approximately 12 feet from the target
   • Place your non-throwing foot slightly forward
2. Grip:
   • Hold the axe at the bottom of the handle with your dominant hand
   • Place your thumb along the back of the handle for stability
   • Keep your wrist locked and the blade facing the target
3. Throwing Motion:
   • Bring the axe back past your ear, keeping it vertical
   • The back of the axe head should almost touch your shoulder
   • Throw with a straight arm motion, like throwing a dart
   • Release when your arm is extended, with the handle vertical
   • Follow through with your arm continuing downward

Rough Cut Social advises that the one-handed technique “is for advanced players who want more precision with their throws.”

The Big Axe Throw

For larger axes with longer handles:

1. Use a two-handed grip with your dominant hand on top
2. Stand further back, approximately 17 feet from the target
3. Use a more powerful throwing motion, involving your whole body
4. Aim for 1.5 rotations instead of just one

Specialty Throws

As you advance, you might experiment with these specialty techniques:

Technique	Description	Difficulty Level
Underhand Throw	Throw with an underhand motion from below	Intermediate
Baseball Style	Throw from the side, like a baseball pitcher	Advanced
Two-Axe Throw	Throw two axes simultaneously	Expert
Behind-the-Back	Throw from behind your back	Expert
No-Look Throw	Throw while facing away from the target	Expert

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Even experienced throwers encounter issues. Here’s how to identify and fix the most common problems.

Problem: Axe Not Sticking

If your axe isn’t sticking to the target, consider these potential causes and solutions:

1. Over-rotation (top of axe hits first)
   • Cause: Releasing too early or standing too far from target
   • Solution: Move closer to the target or grip higher on the handle
2. Under-rotation (bottom of axe hits first)
   • Cause: Releasing too late or standing too close to target
   • Solution: Move back from the target or grip lower on the handle
3. Pancaking (axe hits flat/sideways)
   • Cause: Blade not vertical at release or wrist rotation during throw
   • Solution: Focus on keeping blade straight and wrists locked
4. Insufficient force
   • Cause: Not enough power in the throw
   • Solution: Use slightly more force, engaging from the shoulders
5. Too much force
   • Cause: Throwing too hard, causing loss of control
   • Solution: Focus on technique rather than power; remember it’s about finesse

According to Axe Whooping, one common issue is wrist control: “A clean, firm release combined with a wrist flick to add spin for stability guarantees that the axe travels in a predictable direction toward the target.”

Mental Approach and Focus

Many throwing issues stem from mental factors:

1. Over-thinking: Focusing too much on mechanics disrupts natural motion
2. Inconsistency: Changing technique with every throw prevents muscle memory development
3. Frustration: Getting upset after missed throws affects subsequent attempts
4. Lack of focus: Distraction leads to inconsistent throwing form

The World Axe Throwing League recommends developing a simple pre-throw routine: “Develop a simple pre-throw routine to center your mind and body and ensure every throw begins from as close the exact same starting point as possible.”

Setting Up Your Own Target

If you want to practice at home, you’ll need a proper target.

Target Construction

A standard axe throwing target consists of:

• Five vertical 2×10″ wooden boards arranged side by side
• Softer woods like cottonwood, poplar, or pine work best
• A secure backing or frame to hold the boards together
• Properly marked bullseye and scoring rings

The target should be mounted securely with the bullseye approximately 5 feet from the ground.

Space Requirements

For a safe home setup, you’ll need:

• A minimum of 12-15 feet of throwing distance
• At least 6 feet of width for the throwing lane
• Clear space behind and around the throwing area
• Adequate lighting to see the target clearly
• Fencing or barriers to prevent axes from bouncing or straying

Remember that safety is paramount for home setups. Only set up a target in a space where you can follow all safety protocols.

Competitive Axe Throwing

For those interested in taking axe throwing further, there are organized leagues and competitions.

Scoring Systems

The two major axe throwing organizations use slightly different scoring systems:

• World Axe Throwing League (WATL): Rings worth 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 points, with “killshots” (blue dots) worth 8 points
• International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF): Rings worth 1, 3, and 5 points, with “clutch” shots (green dots) worth 7 points

League Play

Many axe throwing venues offer league play where you can:

• Join a team or compete individually
• Develop skills through regular practice
• Learn from experienced throwers
• Participate in local, regional, or national tournaments
• Connect with the broader axe throwing community

Frequently Asked Questions About Axe Throwing

How long does it take to learn how to throw an axe?

Most beginners can learn the basic technique and successfully stick an axe within their first session (typically 1-2 hours). With guidance from an instructor, you’ll likely see your first successful throw within 10-15 attempts. Becoming consistently accurate takes more practice, usually 3-5 sessions. Like any skill, axe throwing follows a learning curve—some people pick it up almost instantly, while others need more time to find their rhythm. Regular practice is key to building muscle memory and consistency.

What’s the right distance for throwing an axe?

The standard competition distance for hatchet throwing is approximately 12 feet (4 meters) from the target. For larger “big axes,” the distance increases to about 17 feet (5.2 meters). However, the ideal throwing distance can vary slightly based on your height, arm length, throwing style, and the specific axe you’re using. Most venues have marked throwing lines, but you may need to adjust your position slightly—moving forward if your axe over-rotates, or backward if it under-rotates. Finding your perfect distance is part of the learning process.

What should I wear to an axe throwing session?

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory at all axe throwing venues for safety reasons. Beyond that, wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement, particularly in your shoulders and arms. Avoid loose, flowing garments like scarves or baggy sleeves that could catch on the axe during your throw. Many regular throwers prefer athletic wear or casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts. Some venues also recommend avoiding high heels, excessively loose jewelry, or clothing with dangling elements. The key is to wear something you can move freely in while maintaining safety.

How do I know what type of axe to use?

For beginners, a standard throwing hatchet or competition-style axe (approximately 1.5-2 pounds with a 12-16 inch handle) is ideal. These axes are specifically designed for throwing rather than chopping and offer the best balance of weight and control for learning. Specialty axes like tomahawks, Norse axes, or double-bit axes are better suited for experienced throwers looking for new challenges. Most commercial venues provide appropriate axes for their guests, so you don’t need to bring your own for your first experience. As you develop your skills, you might experiment with different styles to find what works best for your throwing technique.

Is axe throwing dangerous?

When proper safety protocols are followed, axe throwing is remarkably safe. Commercial venues implement strict safety measures, including designated throwing lanes with barriers, supervision by trained staff, and clear rules about when to throw and retrieve axes. The most common safety issues arise when people ignore these protocols or attempt to throw after consuming too much alcohol. Statistically, axe throwing venues report very few injuries when compared to many other recreational activities. Following the venue’s safety guidelines, paying attention to instructions, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Axe throwing combines the satisfaction of developing a physical skill with the social enjoyment of friendly competition. With proper technique, patience, and practice, you’ll soon experience the satisfaction of hearing your axe thunk solidly into the target. Remember that consistency is key—focus on repeating the same motion rather than making constant adjustments. Most importantly, have fun and embrace the learning process as you develop this unique and rewarding skill.

Learn more about axe throwing techniques at Bad Axe Throwing

Discover beginner-friendly tips at Axe Thro Co

Explore throwing techniques at Heber Hatchets

Find safety guidelines at Brainy Actz Escape Rooms

Learn about common mistakes at World Axe Throwing League