Axe throwing: In recent years, no sport, exercise, or activity has attracted more Canadians than this lumberjack-derived fitness alternative.
As opposed to popular belief, this skill entails far more than merely picking up a wooden handle, hurling it across a room, and hoping that it hits the target. Coming a long way from being a primal hunting skill, the seemingly-simple act of throwing an axe has become a science in itself.
If you’ve recently grown an affinity mastering the art of axe throwing but don’t know where to start when it comes to cultivating your technique, there are a few fundamentals that you should get familiar with. Similar to swinging a bat, throwing a football, or shooting a hockey puck, achieving maximum potential to hit any target entails considering details that will make or break a throw.
Finer details for better swings
Fortunately, we’ve prepared a guide that you can use to improve your technique. To best ensure that you cultivate a throw that as smooth as it is accurate, here are three details that you should consider:
Detail #1: The stance
Similar to boxing, being able to perform an axe throw properly entails taking on the right stance.
It may not seem like much at first, but the stance that you assume is especially essential when it comes to getting your throw right because it determines how well your body transfers and utilizes power from the ground up. As soon as you get your stance right, you’ll be able to make more powerful swings that have a harder impact because you’ll manage the force by all your utilized muscles better!
If you’re just starting out, it is recommended that you use the boxed areas in Urban Axe Throwing’s range to correct your form. For a more efficient way to throw an axe while using all your power the right way, put your dominant side’s foot in the boxed area and your rear foot outside and behind the box!
Detail #2: Axe placement
Besides the stance that you assume when throwing, another vital factor to consider when seamlessly executing the movement is your axe placement.
Depending on what type of throw you’re executing (whether it’s a one or two-handed throw), you’ll need to place your palms and fingers in the right places for a better transfer of power well-timed release. When it comes to staying within the one-rotation rule per throw, one-handed throws must be done by carrying the axe behind or over the ear on a single dominant side (by the handle). On the other hand, two-handed throws are best executed using both palms to keep the fork behind the ear to avoid tilting to the left or right.
Detail #3: Distance from the target
Keeping the two details mentioned above into mind, the final component that you’ll need to get right for a perfect throw is the distance between yourself and the target. Although the rules of range may vary over time as you become more adept and accurate, the recommended starting length from a target is around 12 to 14 feet––depending on your height––for better accuracy, precision, and power!
Conclusion
Throwing an axe is a technique that goes far beyond merely hurling a bladed tool because of all the different techniques and details that must be considered for the perfect execution. With the help of this guide, however, you can quickly get a hold of your technique, improve it, and make better shots in no time!
Are you in a mood for an adventure that can only be satisfied with a one-of-a-kind activity? Fulfill your inner hunting desires and experience axe throwing in Vancouver by visiting our facility today!
