Axe throwing sport has gained a lot of popularity over the years and now everyone is looking for the best Axe throwing technique to improve and be competitive. People, especially from states, Canada, Europe, and Australia
are interested in learning the art of tomahawk axe throwing and enjoy playing the sport with friends and even participating in the competitions.
We have described the advance techniques for throwing axes that will ensure that you start throwing at axe target accurately by applying axe throwing rules.
Axe Throwing Technique
There are 2 basic techniques involved for throwing tomahawks, axes or hatchets.
1. Throwing with both hands
Normally people feel comfortable when throwing an axe with both hands and it’s pretty safe and gets more Power behind the axe. This technique is preferred if you are a beginner and learning the art. This method doesn’t apply if the handle is too short. 
Grip
Hold the handle with both hands like a baseball bat. Hands should be holding the axe from the bottom not close to the axe head. You can hold the shaft folding one hand over the other or place second hand above the first on the handle.
There are some variations to the two-handed throw
1st method
One way to throw is not to step forward. As a beginner its better technique to keep yourself still and not to move forward at all when throwing, keeping one foot behind the line. If you try to apply this technique then your starting point may vary as compared to the one when you do step forward.
Both hands holding the axe should go right over the head to give a full swing.
2nd method
If you are right-handed, put your right foot forward and just bend the front knee slightly to give it a perfect balance. Both hands should go right over your head, remember not over your shoulder like a baseball or football throw that will not work.
You should release the axe when it’s perfectly aligned straight or upright. Don’t hold it so tight because Handle can get stuck in the hands.
Throwing long handle axes
Normally in the competition, you have to throw axes with long handles at some stage. What should you do then?
• . Longer the handle further back you stand to allow rotation of an axe
• . You exert more strength and power to hit the target with a complete rotation of the handle.
2. Throwing with a single hand
It’s a pro technique you involve only a single hand to throw an ax. Handle length should be small enough to apply this technique.
How it works
Hold the axe with your right hand with right foot forward if you are right-handed vice versa for Left-handers. Hold the axe right from the bottom take it right over your head and release the axe at the point when it’s completely upright.
Tip….remember your wrist should be locked at the point of release and don’t try to give it a flick and your whole body weight should be moving forward with the front knee slightly bent . Try to throw an axe like a dart and don’t apply too much force, remember it’s all about precision, not the force.
Always keep your head still whatever the technique you apply it’s important to chalk your hands so that handle slides out easily.
How far should you stand?
Normally its 15 ft from the target you are hitting but at the start, you can obviously reduce that distance For the sake of practice. Important thing is to draw a line at the distance that you are comfortable with and keep your back foot completely behind that line. The front foot can go forward anywhere you want but make sure you don’t lose balance at any stage.
Size of an axe for throwing
For throwing, different sizes of handles are used but normally handles are not too big they may vary from 14 to 24 inches or more depending upon the competition you are involved in. For beginners to start with small axes or hatchets are preferred.
The length of the shaft or handle determines how far you should stand to give the axe enough time to complete 1 or 2 full rotation before hitting the target.
Type of axe handles used
Normally wooden handles are used but there are varieties of tomahawks or hatchets used for throwing. Important point is to use a lightweight axe that can penetrate easily in the air with less friction.
Tomahawk Axe Throwing
Tomahawks are the multipurpose tool that was designed for tactical purposes. They have normally small handles and the blade is sharp and thin. Their aerodynamic shape gives them the advantage to penetrate through the air with lesser friction. That’s the reason why tomahawks are used for axe throwing competitions.
Tomahawks normally come in 2 pieces “handle and the blade “where the head can be detached for sharpening and can easily be replaced.
They come in different head shape
There are various head shapes depending upon the user requirement
• Single blade
Head has cutting sharp blade at one end
• Single with spike
The cutting blade at one end and sharp spike at the back of the head for different purposes
• Double
The cutting blade on both sides of the head
Tomahawk handles
Long handles
Tomahawks handles are pretty straight and with long handles, they are not easy to carry but can perform a function like splitting wood, breaking locks, opening doors in an emergency, etc.
Short Handles
These handles are preferred for throwing because it gives control while throwing accurately. They are lightweight easy to carry and can perform an action like precision chopping and throwing etc.
Throwing Axe Target
Well, you can build your own target made of wood and it should be at least 25 to 36 inches wide. It will be hard to build one if you are not an expert carpenter or woodworker so it’s better to buy one.
Tip- you can take a tree stump of size around 24 inches and just place it as a target to hit. Problems with New target board
Some experience the problem of axe not sticking on the board because the board is new and in that case follow the below-mentioned points, which will solve the issue.
• Slightly spray the board with water
• You can sharp your axe blade and then step back from your normal position to give axe more rotations and apply a bit of more power to get it stuck on the board.
Axe Throwing Rules
For any sports, rules are very important and everyone should be aware of them. There has to be certain organization or body to take care of competitions and implementing the specified Axe throwing rules.
NATF (National Axe Throwing Federation) was established back in 2016 to serve this sport and organized the game so that it gets promoted worldwide. They have done a very good job so far as the sport is been taken seriously by many people around the globe.
Conclusion
Axe throwing is the best indoor/outdoor sport to encourage someone to play. As a beginner, you should consider your height before applying any technique for throwing. It’s all about technique and precision, you need not to be physically strong to play this amazing sport.
FAQS
How long does AXE throwing last?
It can last for 2 to 3 hours depending upon the size of the group playing the game.
Is AXE throwing safe?
Yes, it’s very safe but you should learn the technique and follow the instruction given.
How many calories do you burn AXE throwing?
You can burn around 300 to 400 calories.
How heavy is a throwing AXE?
The axe head must weigh between 1.25 and 1.75 pounds
How big is an AXE throwing target?
Target is 36 inches wide.
