Axe throwing is one of those activities that looks simple at first—pick up an axe, throw it at a target, and hope it sticks. But once you try it, you quickly realize that precision, technique, and consistency all play a huge role in mastering the sport. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics or an experienced thrower looking to refine your technique, there’s always room for improvement.
At Timberjaxe near Zion, IL, we see all skill levels walk through our doors—some people hitting bullseyes right away, while others struggle to get their axe to stick. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, the good news is that with the right guidance, anyone can become a better axe thrower.
So, whether you're preparing for a casual night out, a competition, or just want to show off your skills to friends, here are some essential tips to help you improve your axe throwing technique.
Before you start focusing on advanced techniques, it’s crucial to get the basics down. Here’s what every beginner should focus on first:
● A standard throwing axe should be lightweight and well-balanced.
● The handle should feel comfortable in your grip—not too long or too short for your arm length.
● Timberjaxe provides high-quality throwing axes, so if you’re throwing at our facility, you’ll have the right tools from the start.
How you hold the axe affects your control and accuracy. Here’s the correct way to grip your axe:
● Hold the axe firmly but not too tightly—think of how you’d grip a baseball bat.
● Keep your fingers wrapped around the handle and your wrist straight.
● If you’re using a two-handed grip, place your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant hand.
A proper stance helps with balance and accuracy. Here’s what to keep in mind:
● Stand about 12–15 feet away from the target.
● Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to stay stable.
● If using a one-handed throw, your dominant foot should be slightly forward.
● If using a two-handed throw, keep your feet even for a balanced throw.
● Bring the axe straight back over your head.
● Do not flick your wrist—this is a common mistake that leads to poor accuracy.
● When you throw, release the axe at eye level while keeping your motion smooth and controlled.
Even if you know the basics, small mistakes can ruin your accuracy. Here are some common beginner errors and how to fix them:
● The Fix: More power doesn’t mean better accuracy. Instead, focus on a smooth, controlled motion. Throwing with too much force often results in the axe bouncing off the target.
● The Fix: If your axe drops too soon, you’re releasing too early. If it flips too much, you’re releasing too late. Try adjusting your release point until the axe makes a single rotation and sticks to the target.
● The Fix: A tight grip limits your wrist movement and makes your throw less fluid. Keep a relaxed but firm grip to allow for a natural release.
● The Fix: If your axe isn’t sticking, adjust your distance. Move forward if it’s under-rotating or back if it’s over-rotating.
If you’ve been throwing for a while and want to fine-tune your technique, these pro-level tips will help:
● Two-handed throws offer more stability for beginners, while one-handed throws give experienced throwers more control over accuracy and spin.
● Try both and see which feels more natural and consistent for you.
● A standard throw should rotate once before hitting the target.
● If your axe is hitting handle-first, step closer.
● If your axe is over-rotating, take a step back.
● The best axe throwers focus on repeating the exact same motion every time.
● Record yourself throwing and analyze your movements to see what you can improve.
● Instead of always aiming for the bullseye, practice hitting specific areas of the target to improve precision.
By incorporating these Axe Throwing Tips & Techniques you'll be on your way to mastering the basics and advancing your skills in no time!
If you want to get really good at axe throwing, you’ll need to practice specific drills that help with accuracy and control. Here are a few you can try at Timberjaxe:
● Aim for the center of the target 10 times in a row.
● Keep track of how many times you hit the bullseye and work on improving that number each session.
● Try adjusting your stance to control the number of rotations your axe makes before hitting the target.
● The goal is to make sure your axe rotates only once per throw for a consistent landing.
● Set a timer for one minute and see how many times you can land a successful throw.
● This improves focus and consistency under pressure.
Axe throwing is just as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Here are some key mindset tips to help you improve:
● Stay relaxed – If you’re too tense, your throw will be stiff and inaccurate.
● Visualize success – Picture the axe sticking to the target before you throw.
● Take breaks – If you’re frustrated, step away for a minute and reset your focus.
● Have fun – The more you enjoy the process, the more naturally your skills will develop.
Axe throwing is an incredibly fun and rewarding activity that anyone can master with time and practice. Whether you’re a complete beginner learning the ropes or an experienced thrower refining your skills, the key to improvement is consistency, patience, and confidence.
If you’re ready to level up your axe throwing skills, come visit Timberjaxe near Zion, IL! Our expert coaches will help you fine-tune your technique, whether you’re just starting or aiming to become a pro.
Book your axe throwing session today: Timberjaxe