Ever wondered what separates casual axe throwers from competition champions? It’s not just luck or brute strength—it’s technique, consistency, and knowing the small details that make a big difference. Whether you’re gearing up for your first axe-throwing competition or looking to sharpen your skills, our Timberjaxe coaches have got you covered with expert tips to help you dominate the game.
Let’s break down everything from the basics to advanced pro techniques so you can step up your axe-throwing game and win that competition!
Before you even think about throwing, you need to make sure you’re holding the axe correctly. A bad grip can mess up your accuracy, cause unnecessary wrist movement, and even make the axe wobble in the air.
Relaxed, Not Tense: A tight grip will throw off your accuracy. Hold the handle firmly but don’t squeeze too hard.
Keep Your Thumb Up: Your dominant hand should wrap around the handle with your thumb pointing upward along the back. This helps keep the axe stable.
Both Hands or One? Most beginners start with a two-handed grip for control, but single-hand throws can be more precise once you master balance.
Holding too tight, which makes your wrist stiff.
Gripping too loosely, leading to wobbly throws.
Twisting your wrist mid-throw, which changes the axe’s rotation.
If you want to throw like a pro, start by perfecting your grip. A well-held axe is an accurate axe.
Your stance plays a huge role in how well you throw. The goal is to stay balanced, steady, and aligned with your target.
Feet Shoulder-Width Apart: This keeps you stable and prevents unnecessary movement.
Front Foot Slightly Forward: If you're right-handed, step forward with your left foot. If you're left-handed, step forward with your right.
Knees Slightly Bent: Staying relaxed helps you generate a smooth, controlled motion.
A good stance ensures that all your power comes from your core and arms rather than awkward body movements. It also keeps your throw consistent.
Find a comfortable spot at the throw line and stick to it. Repetition builds muscle memory, which leads to better throws over time.
One of the biggest mistakes new throwers make is assuming that throwing harder means throwing better. In reality, accuracy wins competitions, not strength.
Start with a Controlled Backswing: Bring the axe straight over your head—not too far back, just enough to build momentum.
Smooth, Straight Motion Forward: Release the axe as your arms extend fully in front of you. No flicking the wrist!
Follow Through: Keep your arms moving forward even after the axe is released. This helps maintain accuracy.
Keep Your Shoulders and Arms Aligned: Avoid leaning to one side.
Release at the Right Moment: Too early, and the axe will drop. Too late, and it’ll over-rotate.
Practice Controlled Throws: Wild, forceful throws rarely land well. Aim for a smooth, consistent motion.
If you focus on precision over power, you’ll consistently hit the bullseye and rack up points in a competition.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some next-level techniques straight from our Timberjaxe coaches. These insider tricks can help you gain a competitive edge.
Axe targets are made of wood, and the grain direction affects how well your axe sticks. Aim for softer spots where the grain is more open—this increases your chances of a solid hit.
Every axe has a natural rotation based on its weight and your throwing motion. The goal is to have it spin just once before hitting the target. If it’s over-rotating, take a step forward. If it’s under-rotating, step back.
Nervous? Take a deep breath before throwing. Staying relaxed improves your control and keeps your movements natural.
During competitions, observe how others throw. If someone is consistently hitting the bullseye, pay attention to their stance and release timing. Small adjustments based on observation can help you improve.
Every thrower has a spot on the throw line that works best for them. Experiment with different distances and stick with what gives you the best results.
Axe-throwing competitions aren’t just about skill—they’re also about preparation. Here’s how to get competition-ready:
Instead of just throwing for fun, set specific goals. Aim for 10 consecutive bullseyes or work on correcting your stance and release. Focused practice leads to faster improvement.
Great throwers have a pre-throw routine. Whether it’s taking a deep breath, adjusting your grip, or visualizing the target, find a ritual that helps you stay consistent.
Closed-toe shoes are a must, and comfortable clothing that allows for easy arm movement is ideal. Avoid baggy sleeves that could interfere with your throw.
If you always practice with beginners, you won’t challenge yourself enough. Compete with experienced throwers to push yourself and learn from them.
Even experienced throwers make mistakes. Here are some errors to avoid in competition:
Throwing Too Hard: A powerful throw isn’t always an accurate one. Keep it controlled.
Overthinking It: Too much hesitation can mess up your throw. Stay confident.
Ignoring the Target’s Sweet Spot: Hitting the soft grain increases your chance of sticking the axe.
Not Adjusting to Misses: If you keep missing the target in the same way, tweak your stance or grip.
Winning an axe-throwing competition isn’t about brute force—it’s about precision, technique, and smart adjustments.
If you’re serious about improving your skills, Timberjaxe is the perfect place to train. Our expert coaches are here to guide you, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced competitor looking to fine-tune your technique.
Book your practice session today and get one step closer to becoming a champion!
And if you’re wondering about safety while learning these techniques, check out our guide on How Safe Is Axe Throwing to see why it’s a fun and secure sport for everyone.