How to Throw an Axe

If you are looking for an exhilarating after-work or weekend activity, axe throwing might be the perfect choice. 

Axe-throwing businesses are booming in popularity, and the activity is quickly becoming a go-to outing for those wanting to get physical and have lots of fun. Even if you are a beginner, you can still get in on the excitement, and you may even hit a bullseye while you’re at it. 

We are breaking down two ways to throw an axe and helpful tips to improve your accuracy for the best throwing experience possible. 

What Type of Axe Do You Need?

Before we dive into the proper axe-throwing technique, let’s start with the axe itself. The best type of axe to use is a small hatchet, especially for beginners. Smaller axes are less cumbersome and give you more control. You’ll also want to choose a very sharp option. The sharper the blade, the better it will cut through the target. 

Most axe-throwing establishments provide the axes. They may have small hatchets and felling axes, which are larger and better suited for experienced throwers. 

Axe Throwing Stances

Your stance for throwing an axe is very important because it will directly impact your accuracy. The throwing method you choose will determine which stance is best for you. The following are the primary options for axe throwers.

Two-Handed Throw

If you are throwing the axe with both hands, you’ll want to align yourself with the bullseye. Keep your body and feet facing forward and centered with the target. As you complete your throw, you’ll step forward from this stance. 

One-Handed Throw

If you want to use one hand to throw the axe, then you’ll take a slightly different approach. Instead of standing centered with the bullseye, you will align your throwing shoulder with your target. Stay facing forward with your feet and body in the same stance as the two-handed throw. You’ll keep your shoulder in line with the bullseye for the entire throw.

How to Throw an Axe With Two Hands

If you’ve never thrown an axe before, it is best to begin with two hands. This technique gives you more control and is easier to master. 

Learn how to throw an axe for beginners in six simple steps:

1. Grab your axe and hold the bottom of the handle with a loose grip. Apply just enough pressure to keep it secure in your hand. 
2. Get into your stance with your body centered with the bullseye. 
3. Carefully lift the axe above your head. You can let the top of the axe drop behind you, between your shoulders.
4. Pull the axe forward as you take one step to create momentum. You’ll likely want to step with your dominant leg or whichever leg feels more comfortable. 
5. Release the axe once it is about eye level in front of you. Keep your hands moving forward and follow through in the direction of the bullseye. 
6. Assess your throw. Pay attention to where it stuck (or didn’t) and its position in the target.

After a few throws, you may find adjusting your distance from the target is helpful. 

How to Throw an Axe One-Handed

Throwing an axe with one hand is a slightly more advanced method. Once you’ve mastered the two-handed throw, you can give this technique a whirl. 

Follow these steps for an accurate one-handed throw:

1. Grab your axe. Hold it with your dominant hand at the handle’s bottom with a loose but secure grip. 
2. Get into your throwing stance with your throwing shoulder in line with the bullseye. 
3. Hold your arm parallel to the ground and in line with your target to improve your aim. 
4. You’ll throw the axe similarly to throwing a dart. Bend your elbow and lift the axe in line with your ear. Avoid bringing the axe behind your head or out to the side.
5. Step forward with your dominant leg as you bring the axe forward. Keep your arm upright and parallel to the ground for the entire throw.
6. Release on the follow-through and keep your hand toward the target. 
7. See how you did and what adjustments you can make for next time.

Is There a Trick to Throwing Axes?

The following are a few tips to help you improve your axe-throwing skills: 

• Don’t overdo it: Avoid throwing the axe with all your might, like you would a baseball. Instead, let the axe’s weight do some of the work for you and focus on guiding it toward the bullseye. 
• Keep your grip low: You can get better rotation and power by holding the end of the axe’s handle rather than the middle. 
• Adjust your distance: If your throws aren’t working out like you’d hoped, it can be helpful to adjust where you are standing. You’ll want the axe’s blade to hit parallel to the target. If the top of the axe is hitting the board, take a step closer for your next throw. If the axe’s bottom or handle is hitting the target, you may need to take a step back. 

How to Throw an Axe Accurately

Once you’re comfortable throwing, you can improve accuracy by learning how to aim. Depending on the type of throw you are doing, there are some different techniques to use. 

Some quick tips for aiming during a one-handed throw include:

• Always keep your arm aligned with your shoulder.
• Align your throwing arm with the bullseye on your target.
• Follow through while keeping your arm in line with the bullseye.

The following are some tricks for improving your aim for a two-handed throw:

• Keep your eyes fixed on your target during the entire throw.
• Ensure the axe is centered and not tilted to either side when you bring it up and over your head. 
• Avoid flicking your wrists as you release the axe, and keep them in a straight position instead. 

Now that you know how to do well at axe throwing, you can enjoy sharpening your skills and putting your accuracy to the test. 

Book Your Reservation at Axel’s Throw House Today 

If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, turn to Axel’s Throw House. As the premier axe-throwing lounge in New Hampshire, we are here to help you let loose and blow off some steam with 15 axe-throwing lanes and many fun games. Our Axeperts will guide you through the entire process and help you master your throw.

We sell beer, wine, canned cocktails, and hard seltzers for adults over age 21. You can also order appetizers to share with your partner or group. We are open seven days a week and reserve Mondays and Tuesdays exclusively for private events, like birthday parties, fundraisers or team-building activities.

Are you ready to start throwing? Book your reservation at Axel’s online today!