Throwing axes is one of the most fun group or individual activities out there, but it can be a bit frustrating when you just can’t get the axe to stick into the target. If you are wanting to get into this hobby, this is the perfect guide on how to throw an axe.
⚠️Important Warning⚠️
⚠️Always make sure your surroundings are completely safe when you are throwing sharp objects. Make sure your axes will not hit anything if you miss the target or if it bounces off of the target back towards you! Check out your area to see if you have an axe throwing range near you, indoor or outdoor, as they have taken every precaution to make a safe area for your throwing enjoyment! (Plus it supports local businesses!) If you are throwing with other people make sure that everyone throws at the same time and is done throwing before you go and collect the axes together to avoid any terrible accidents. Also make sure you have enough space around you before you throw, at least a 6 foot radius. Only use axes that are designed to be thrown as using tool axes that are meant for chopping is dangerous. Make sure that your axes are sharp before you throw so that they stick easier and have less of a chance of bouncing back to you.⚠️
Method 1: Both Hands
Throwing axes with two hands is easier than throwing with one hand, so this is recommended for beginners
Step1:
Start at about 12 feet away from the target, with your head perfectly in line of the bullseye. Hold the base of the handle with both hands, one on top of the other like you would a baseball bat or golf club. Hold it tight enough that it won’t slip out of your hands at any given moment, but if you hold it too tight it will make it more difficult to let go and might make you not throw the axe straight.
Step 2:
Bring the axe over your head, to the point where your hands are right above your head with the head of the axe behind your head.
Step 3:
Swing arms forward and release the axe when it is at your eye level, make sure to follow through with your arms.
Voila! You have thrown the axe with proper technique with both hands! Now if it didn’t stick, there are some things that you may need to change that I will go over near the end of this article.
Method 2: One handed.
Throwing an axe with one hand is more difficult but can sometimes feel more rewarding and cooler.
Step 1:
Again, place yourself about 12 feet away from the target. This time instead of lining up your head with the bullseye, you want to line it up with your throwing arm’s shoulder. Hold the bottom of the axe with your throwing hand again, not too tight as to screw up your throw but not too loose to be unsafe.
Step 2:
Bring the axe back by your ear and to your shoulder, barely touching your shoulder. Make sure to not turn the axe at all in either direction and to keep it perfectly straight.
Step 3:
Swing your arm forward and release the axe as if you were throwing a dart and follow through like previously.
Now if all things go well, you should stick the axe parallel to the target, but you may need to change the distance that you are throwing from depending on how your axe hits the target. If you hit the target with the top of your axe, you may want to move a little closer to the target as you over threw it. If you hit the target with the bottom of your axe, you will want to move a little farther away from the target, as you under threw it. Throw it again and repeat the above until you can consistently stick your axe in the target!
Congratulations! You now know how to throw an axe, with both hands and with one hand! Go enjoy this newfound information by throwing your axes! Make sure to stay safe while throwing axes, read the safety message at the beginning of the article and research more about axe throwing safety. Now have some fun!
If you happen to be in the market for some throwing axes, feel free to check out these throwing axe sets below!
