With this guide, we’ll outline how we host axe throwing events across all of our locations. It will help prepare for your axe throwing event by familiarizing yourself with what to expect.
Key Materials & Ingredients to Axe Throwing
Axes
Axes come in all shapes and sizes, and even colours too. At Bad Axe Throwing there are two standard sizes to accommodate various axe throwing techniques, as well as the strength and style of each thrower. One axe is larger, heavier, and the blade is thicker as well which means they’re slightly easier to get to stick on the target. The other axe is a smaller hatchet which is lighter, easier to throw but technique is key in order to have it stick to the target.
Targets & Scoring
The axe throwing targets are made of axe throwing-grade wood and are mounted on the wall. The rings found on the target each represent points and are designed to resemble the rings found inside a tree once it’s been cut down. The scoring system works as follows: There are 5 rings inside each other, each worth different points. The largest ring on the outside is worth 1 point and the smallest is worth 6 points. Each successively smaller ring is worth one more point, save for the bullseye which is worth 6 points instead of 5 points. You deserve an extra point if you’re good enough to hit it! An axe that sticks inside only one ring awards that ring’s value. An axe that sticks over the line of two rings awards the value of the smallest ring.
Note: there are two blue balls on the top corners. They’re very hard to hit and are worth 10 points if you can hit them.
Safety
Our axe throwing lanes allow for two players to throw at once. Players must throw their axes at the same time and retrieve their axes only once both players have thrown. This ensure that no one will be hit with an axe. Onlookers must stand behind the designated lines during axe throwing, keeping a clearance of 6 feet around the axe thrower. Also, we ensure that we don’t sharpen the blade to the point where you might cut yourself. A great axe is one with a dull blade – let your throw do the work for you.
Axe Throwing Technique
Basic Axe Throwing Technique:
- Begin by planting both feet on the throwing line, shoulder width apart.
- Grip axe like a baseball bat with one hand on the bottom of the handle and dominant hand directly on top.
- Extend arms forward, locking wrists, and pointing the blade directly at the ground. Target should be visible just above the butt of the axe.
- In one motion, bring axe behind your head while putting weigh on your heels then swing axe back to its starting position putting weight on your toes. Both hands should release the axe at the same time when the axe reaches its starting position perpendicular to your body.
Advanced Axe Throwing Technique:
- Plant one foot on the line and one foot back in the fashion of your favourite boxer. Typically the least dominant foot goes forward.
- Grip the axe with your dominant hand at the bottom of the handle.
- Extend your arm forward, lock your wrist, and line up your target with the butt of the axe.
- Keeping your elbow pointed at the target bring the axe back over your shoulder then swing it forward, releasing it in the starting position, all in one motion.
To see diagrams in greater detail, you can visit our How To Throw an Axe section of our website.
If you’re having issues sticking the axe, here’s some modifications you can make to your throws:
- If the axe over-rotates adjust distance by moving forward before throwing.
- If the axe under-rotates adjust distance by stepping back before throwing.
- If the axe is thrown too high release it later.
- If the axe is thrown too low release it earlier.
- If the axe is not thrown straight or hits the target on an angle other than 90 degrees, focus on bringing the axe directly behind your head and releasing directly in front of you. Also focus on releasing both hands at the same time.
- If the axe is thrown straight and has a proper rotation but doesn’t stick, throw it harder.
- If you need to throw it harder put one foot forward and one foot back like you’re in a title fight.
Competition
Axe throwing is not just a pastime for when you find yourself alone in the woods. Axe throwing is a sport which involves competition. It’s also a great party idea if you have all the right elements in place. That’s what Bad Axe Throwing does for you!
How many times can I throw?
In order to get everyone familiar with how to throw an axe team competitions generally allow each player to throw once to cycle through their team quicker. In a free-for-all competition each player throws 5 times against their opponent. The player with the highest score at the end of 5 throws moves on to the next head-to-head round.
What’s an axe throwing game?
Basic team games are set up as a countdown. There are many different games teams can play but generally they start with a countdown. Depending on your skill level you can start counting down anywhere from 25 points to 300 points. The object of the game is to get from your starting score to zero.
Alterations?
Variables such as punish with precision and call the ball can make for an even more interesting competition. You can increase your opponents score by sticking the axe to a ring valued at the second digit of your score. For instance, if your score is 46 and you stick a 6, your score will decrease to 40 as usual but your opponent’s score will increase by 6. Alternatively, there are two blue circles on each target worth 10 points. If you call the ball before your throw and stick the blue circle you get 10 points. If you don’t call it first you don’t get the points.
We hope our axe throwing guide was useful in getting prepared for an axe throwing event.
Come out and show us what you’ve got by booking an event at any of our axe throwing facilities.