How to Throw an Axe Properly

Axe Throwing: The Thing To Do In Fargo, ND

Axe throwing is quickly becoming one of the most popular things to do in Fargo, ND. Individuals young and old (and all ages in between) are realizing that nearly anyone can participate in this uniquely fun and competitive sport. As more North Dakotans are finding their nearest indoor axe throwing lanes, it's important to know how to throw an axe. Luckily, Rough Cut Social has put together our own guide on axe throwing tips—How To Throw An Axe 101: How to Throw an Axe Properly—to help beginners learn the basics about axe throwing, we cover topics including safety, axe throwing stance, and axe throwing technique. As more North Dakotans are finding their nearest indoor axe throwing lanes, it’s important to know the basics. Luckily, Rough Cut Social has put together our own axe throwing tips—Axe Throwing 101: How to Throw an Axe Properly—to help beginning axe throwers understand the basics and to help advanced axe throwers with gentle reminders on things like safety, stance, and axe throwing technique.
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Axe Throwing Safety Precautions

Rough Cut Social places safety above all else when it comes to our indoor axe throwing lanes. While we have Axeperts in place to make sure you have a safe, enjoyable experience, it’s important to know a few basic rules. Always keep a six-foot radius between yourself and others to ensure a clear path to the target as well as behind you. When throwing with another person or group of people, always throw your axes together and retrieve them together.

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Your Axe Throwing Stance

After safely distancing yourself, it’s time to set up your axe throwing stance. The way you stand will depend on how you’re going to throw the axe.

  • If you plan to throw an axe two handed (popular for beginners), square your shoulders with the target and place your line of sight directly in front of the bullseye. You should be approximately 12 feet from the target; although, the Axepert may adjust your distance depending on the rotation of your axe.
  • If you plan to throw an axe with one hand, line up your right shoulder and right foot with the bullseye (or left shoulder and left foot for southpaws) similar to throwing darts. Again, you will be about 12 feet away from the target with adjustments being made for your axe rotation.

How to Throw an Axe Two Handed

Rough Cut Social Two-Handed Axe Throw

Axe Throwing for Beginners

So you already know the two-handed axe throwing stance. Your shoulders are square with the target and your line of sight is directly in front of the bullseye. Now it’s time to grip it and rip it, similar to golf. Yes, golf. With your hands at the base of the handle, throwers can either point their thumbs toward the head of the axe or simply make two fists. Just like a smooth swing in golf, it’s important to have a light grip, as this will help you release the axe more easily and with more accuracy. To throw the axe two handed, try performing the steps below all in one motion:

  1. Find a light, comfortable grip, bring the axe directly behind your head with both arms.
  2. Bring your arms forward and release the axe at eye level.
  3. Finish the throwing motion with both arms stretched out in front of you.
  4. Our Axeperts may adjust your distance depending on how your axe hits the target board. Here are a few of the most common results:
    • Over Rotation: Take a half step closer to the target if the top part of the axe blade hits the board.
    • Under Rotation:Take a half step backwards if the axe handle hits the board instead of the blade.
    • Perfect Distance:If your hits parallel to the target board you are at the perfect distance.

Note: Try resisting the urge to flick your wrists or throw too hard. These axes are designed specifically for throwing and do not require a lot of force to make them stick.

How to Throw an Axe With One Hand

Rough Cut Social One-Handed Axe Throw

Advanced Axe Throwing

You have your right throwing arm and right leg (or vice versa for lefties) directly lined up with the bullseye, and you’re ready to go! This axe throwing technique—similar to darts—is for advanced players who want more precision with their throws. Again, just like the two handed throw, you will want to have a light grip or else the axe will have a tendency to spin sideways out of your hand. To throw the axe with one hand, try performing the steps below all in one motion:

  1. Bring the axe back straight past your ear, trying to avoid tilting to the left or right.
  2. The back of the axe head should nearly tap your shoulder before you bring the axe forward.
  3. Bring the axe forward as if you were throwing a dart and release it at the point where the axe handle is perpendicular (straight up and down).
  4. If your axe blade is not landing flush with the target, consider the following adjustments to your throw:
    • Over Rotation: Take a half step closer to the target if the top part of the axe blade hits the board.
    • Under Rotation:Take a half step backwards if the axe handle hits the board instead of the blade.
    • Perfect Distance:If your hits parallel to the target board you are at the perfect distance.

Practice Throwing Axes At Rough Cut Social

The best way to get better at axe throwing? Practice! Remember, for most people, axe throwing is a new activity that requires focus and technique and most beginners need help. Whether its about what your axe throwing stance should be, how to throw an axe straight, what the different components of an axe blade are called, whether to try a two handed throw or a one handed throw, our staff can teach you.

Just The Beginning

While our Axe Throwing 101: How to Throw an Axe Properly guide is helpful as a starting point, it’s more beneficial (and much more fun) to get a few tips in person at Rough Cut Social. If you have any questions about Fargo’s #1 axe throwing venue please don’t hesitate to call us at (701) 532-2467, utilize the online contact form, or check out our FAQ page for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.