How to Throw an Ax

Throwing axes accurately requires a combination of good timing and good technique.

Throwing axes is a lot like playing darts, it is a refined skill that does not have any use other than for entertainment purposes. The skill of throwing axes will take some cultivating, but luckily you won't need much to practice. With only a throwing axe and a solid target at your disposal you can learn how to throw an ax decently in a few afternoons of practicing, but true mastery of the skill can take years of practice.

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Throwing ax
Solid wooden target

Instructions

- 1
  
  Hold the ax at your side by the end of the handle, with the blade facing back behind you.
- 2
  
  Firmly stand with your legs spread shoulder width apart. Put most of your weight on the side of your right foot, or left if you throw with your left hand.
- 3
  
  Raise the ax up so that it is an extension of your own arm overhead, with the blade facing ahead of you. Bring the blade up until it is even in your eyesight and lined up with the target ahead.
- 4
  
  Bring the blade back over your shoulder and roll both your body and the blade forward naturally. Release the handle when your arm is out in front of your body just slightly above your shoulder. Do not try to spin the axe when you release your hold on it. The weight of the blade will create a natural spin, and trying to spin it will create an inconsistent spin and diminish your accuracy.
- 5
  
  Start practicing your throw at 12 feet away from the target and adjust forward or back until the blade firmly sticks in to the target. Twelve feet is the average distance that most novice ax throwers start at.

Tips & Warnings

Always make sure that nobody is in front of the axe thrower, or within 8 feet on either side of the target destination. Keep people from standing directly behind the ax thrower as well.

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