Axe throwing is more than a hobby; it’s a skill, focus, and a bit of medieval fun. It’s a challenge to your precision and physical coordination and a unique way to relieve stress. Whether you’re in it for fun or competition, mastering the basics of axe throwing is worth the journey. Joining an axe-throwing community will enhance your experience; you can learn from others and build friendships through local matches and tournaments.
Getting Started with Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is a fun and exciting activity that requires skill, precision, and practice. To get started, you must choose the right axe for throwing and understand the basics of target design and construction. Choosing the right axe and setting the right target will prepare you for success and fun.
Choosing the Right Axe for Throwing Axes
When choosing an axe for throwing you need to consider the weight, balance, and material. A throwing axe should be made of high-quality steel and have a balanced design for smooth rotation and control.
The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) recommends a one-piece steel axe with a 14-16-inch handle for optimal performance. This will make the axe durable and suitable for consistent throws, making it easier for beginners to develop their technique.
Basics of Axe Throwing
The secret to axe throwing is mastering the basics. Building a solid foundation is key to safety and accuracy. Without proper technique, your throws will be off and there’s more chance of mishaps.
Start with your stance. A stable and balanced body is the foundation of a good throw. Feet shoulder width apart, firm, and pointing straight at the target. This will keep your body aligned and allow you to channel your energy into the throw.
Then, your grip. How you hold the axe affects your control and the rotation of the axe. A relaxed but firm grip will give you a smooth release, and the axe will travel straight. Don’t grip too hard, as this will cause tension in your wrist and affect your aim.
Just as important is body positioning. Your shoulders, arms, and wrists need to work together. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your arms moving in one smooth motion during the throw. Bringing your arms forward in one smooth motion is key to accuracy and releasing the axe. Overthinking or over-exerting will disrupt your coordination and throw you off aim.
Knowing the basics also means knowing the right height and angle of the axe. Hold the axe steady at eye level before you throw, and have the blade facing the target. Bringing the axe forward in a smooth, controlled motion combines body movement, grip, and timing for accuracy and rotation. These small adjustments may seem minor but will make a big difference in your accuracy and consistency.
By focusing on these basics, you’ll set yourself up for success, and every throw will be more controlled, efficient, and fun.
Stance and Body Positioning: Feet-Shoulder Width
Your stance is the base of your throwing success. It determines your balance, precision, and power. A stable stance will allow you to maintain control even if you’re a beginner.
Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. This width will give you a solid base and prevent unnecessary movement during the throw. Your toes should be pointing straight at the target; this will keep your body aligned. Don’t turn your feet in or out; this will shift your balance and affect your aim.
Balance is key. Keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet, so you don’t sway or lean to one side. If your weight shifts too much during the throw, your aim will suffer, and you’ll lose consistency. Keeping your posture centered will allow you to channel energy from your body to the axe.
Beginners typically use one of two stances. The two-handed stance is good if you want extra control and stability. It’s a powerful throw with less focus on fine-tuning. Developing a consistent throwing technique is key to improving accuracy and power. The one-handed stance requires more precision but gives you more flexibility for advanced throws.
Your foot alignment is also essential. Make sure your body is facing the target and both feet are planted. This will create a straight-throwing path. Your throw will go off course if your feet are off-center or angled wrong.
Good body positioning doesn’t stop at your feet. Keep your torso upright, your shoulders relaxed, and your core engaged. This will give you a smooth motion and increase your chances of hitting the target. Master axe throwing through consistent practice and understanding of the techniques is a journey that leads to proficiency and accuracy. With practice, the proper stance will become second nature, and then you’ll throw consistently and accurately.
Grip Styles and Hand Placement
Your grip connects you and the axe, so it’s crucial for accuracy and control. A good grip will ensure the axe rotates smoothly and hits the target with the proper force. Without a good grip, even a well-thrown throw will go off course.
The hammer grip is the simplest technique. Imagine holding a hammer—you’ll grip the handle with your fingers wrapped around it and your thumb alongside it for stability. This style is good for beginners as it feels natural and gives you a solid hold.
The modified hammer grip takes it further by adding a slight wrist adjustment. This will improve the axe’s rotation and give you more control over the trajectory. It’s good when you want to fine-tune your throw as you get more experience.
Hand placement is at the top of the axe throwing rules and is just as important as the grip itself. For maximum leverage, place your dominant hand at the base of the handle. This will give you more control of the axe’s motion and a steady release. Don’t hold it too high on the handle, as this will reduce power and make it harder to get the correct rotation.
A firm grip is needed, but gripping too hard can be counterproductive. Too much tension in your hand and wrist will hinder your motion and make for awkward throws. Keep your hand relaxed yet secure, and let the axe feel like an extension of your arm.
Try different grip styles and hand placement to find what feels most natural. You’ll develop a grip that suits your throwing style and increase consistency and confidence with practice. Axe throwing as a team is a great way to help you master different grip styles with the support of other players.
Throwing Axes: Techniques and Tips
Throwing an axe is more about precision and timing than brute strength. The correct technique will allow the axe to rotate and hit the target solid. Consistency of motion is key to accuracy and improvement over time.
A smooth, continuous motion is the base of a good throw. Start by drawing the axe back over your head and keep your movements slow and controlled. Don’t jerk or rush your motion, as this will disrupt the axe’s path. Think of your throw as a flow of energy starting from your body and going through the axe.
Keep the axe on a straight path. The blade should be aligned with the target the whole way. Tilting or angling the handle at release will cause the axe to spin unevenly and not stick in the target.
The release is a critical part of the throw. Let go when the handle is vertical, and the axe is in the correct position for impact. Releasing too early or late will result in an off-target throw or incorrect rotation. Timing and practice are key to mastering this.
Finding the proper throwing distance is personal. Start at the standard distance of 3.6 meters (12 feet) and adjust based on your results. If the axe is spinning too much or too little, take a small step forward or backward until you get the right spin. Small incremental adjustments are better than big changes to your stance. Advanced axe throwers fine-tune their technique through regular practice.
Consistency is the goal. Using the same technique with every throw will build muscle memory, making it feel natural. Over time, your throws will become more accurate and reliable, and you’ll be ready for more precision and control. Regular axe-throwing practice is key to improving.
Two-Handed Throwing
For beginners, two-handed throwing is better for control and stability. Start by gripping the axe with both hands and holding it behind your head. Keep your elbows slightly bent as you throw, and use a straight follow-through. Using a sharp axe will improve sticking power and overall performance.
Release the axe when it reaches eye level and ensure the handle is aligned with the target. A smooth motion is key – jerky movements will disrupt the axe’s rotation and accuracy. A well-made axe-throwing target is important for practice and keeping the target area intact.
One-Handed Throwing
One-handed throwing is more complex but rewarding once you get it. Stand sideways to the target with your dominant shoulder aligned. Keep your arm straight and release when the handle is vertical.
This requires a sharper axe for smoother releases. Using a very sharp axe will improve safety and accuracy and make it easier to stick to the target without excessive force. Tweak your grip and follow through to get more precision with less rotation.
Adjusting Throw Distance
The standard throwing distance for axe throwing is 3.6 meters (12 feet), but personal adjustments are key. Stand closer if your throws are short or farther back if they are going over the target.
Remember that consistency is the goal. Use a marker or tape to mark your stance and adjust gradually until you find the proper distance.
Safety and Etiquette in Axe Throwing
Safety first. Always make sure your throwing area is clear of people and obstacles. Follow these rules:
- Have a safe retrieval zone behind the throwing line.
- Retrieve your axe after others have thrown it.
- Check your axe before each session.
- Follow the safety guidelines and best practices for axe throwing, such as having a clear throwing area, checking the axe before use, and following etiquette during throwing and retrieving.
When removing the axe from the target, twist gently, not straight back. This will prevent damage to the target and reduce the risk of accidents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is using a too-heavy or too-light axe. A throwing axe should be balanced and comfortable to hold, with a weight allowing smooth rotation and control.
Another common mistake is not paying attention to the throwing area, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Always ensure that the throwing area is clear of obstacles and people and that you have a safe and stable stance.
Additionally, it’s essential to avoid overthinking the throw, leading to hesitation and inconsistency. Trust in your training and let the throw flow naturally.
Finally, don’t neglect the importance of follow-through, which can affect the trajectory and rotation of the axe. Ensure your follow-through is smooth and directed towards the target.
Setting Up Your Axe Throwing Space
A well-prepared space ensures enjoyable and efficient practice sessions. Choose a sturdy backdrop, such as plywood or thick wood, and mount your target securely. Regulation targets consist of five concentric circles for scoring.
For added safety:
- Create a barrier around the throwing area to prevent stray axes from leaving the zone.
- Use a sharp, well-maintained axe for cleaner throws and easier retrieval.
- Practice in a well-lit area to improve visibility and accuracy.
- Ensure the throwing area has a clear perimeter to keep bystanders at a safe distance.
- Use a non-slip mat or stable flooring to reduce the risk of slipping during your throw.
- Mark the throwing line clearly with tape or paint to maintain consistent distances for every throw.
Target Design and Construction
A well-designed target is essential for safe and enjoyable axe throwing. The target should be made of durable materials, such as wood or composite materials, and have a clear and visible scoring system. The WATL recommends using a target with five vertical 2”x10” wooden planks arranged next to each other, with a clear and visible bullseye. This setup provides a reliable surface for the axe to stick, helps track your progress, and improves your accuracy over time.
Sharpen Your Skills at Epic AxeThrowing
Ready to sharpen your axe-throwing skills? Join our supportive community of throwers at Epic Axe Throwing, and let us guide you toward success. Whether you’re setting up your first throwing space or refining your technique, we’re here to help. Start your axe-throwing journey today—because the bullseye awaits!

Tom is our expert axe thrower. I told him to send us a bio but it is very short, let me know if you need it more specific or if you want him to detail all the awards that he won.
” As one of the original axe coaches in Orlando, Tom Knapp has had over seven years to refine the technique he uses to show others how to throw. Over the years, Tom has competed in five World Axe Throwing League Championships and has won a number of league tournaments in both hatchet and big axe disciplines. With an emphasis on safety, Tom has instructed thousands of participants of different experience levels and ages. For Tom, axe throwing is not a job or hobby, it is an obsession.”