Axe Throwing 101
Throwing axes is much easier than it looks. Our axe throwing coaches will walk you through the basics, or you can watch the instructional video below.
How to Throw an Axe
- Stand 1-2 feet behind the 12ft safety line with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the axe in front of you. Grip the handle with your non-dominant hand at the end of the handle and your dominant hand just above it.
- Bring the axe back directly over your head.
- Step forward and throw the axe in one smooth motion.
The Target
A standard WATL axe throwing target has six rings with the outer ring worth one point and the inner ring (or bullseye) worth six points.
There are four additional bullseyes surrounding the center bullseye, with the red dot worth six points and the ring around worth five points.
There are four killshots within the one-point ring, with the blue dot worth eight points and the ring around worth seven points.
Tips & Tricks
- If the axe is hitting handle first, it is under-rotating. Take a step back.
- If the axe is hitting with the handle pointing directly at you, it is over-rotating. Take a step forward.
- Let the axe slide smoothly out of your hand. Don’t try to flick the axe when you release.
- Keep your elbow close to your ear. This will both ease any strain on your arm and keep the axe pointed straight.
- Have fun!
Multiblades
Arbor Axe House has more than just axes. We have ninja stars, throwing cards, knives, spears, and more! Watch the tutorial videos to learn the basics for throwing our various weapons.
A big axe is like a hatchet, only bigger. To get a big axe to stick, move back to the 17ft line and throw like you would a hatchet.
We recommend starting with a two-handed throw. Big axes are heavier than our standard hatchet and can strain shoulders and elbows.
Connor Pedersen is our big axe expert.
We have several types of WKTL official knives that you can throw. Each knife variation will have a slightly different throwing method. Try throwing each knife and find your favorite!
How to Throw a Knife
- Stand at the 10ft safety line with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Hold the knife in front of you so the knife is pointed straight up and pinch the bottom of the handle between your thumb and forefinger.
- Bring the knife back over your head and throw it forward in one smooth motion.
Connor Pedersen is our knife expert.
We have large and small ninja stars that you can throw.
Important: Handle ninja stars with care. The edges are sharp!
How to Throw a Ninja Star
- Stand at the 10ft safety line with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Hold the ninja star in front of you and pinch the star between your thumb and forefinger.
- Throw the ninja star like a baseball.
Madison Jurgens is our ninja star expert.
Important: Handle cards with care. The edges are sharp!
How to Throw Throwing Cards
- Stand at the 10ft safety line with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Hold the card in front of you and pinch it between your thumb and forefinger.
- Throw the card like a baseball.
Madison Jurgens is our throwing card expert.
Throwing a spear takes a bit of finesse. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't stick the first time.
How to Throw a Spear
- Find the balance-point of the spear (the point at which the spear balances in your hand).
- Grip the handle just behind the balance point.
- Stand at the 15ft safety line. Step and throw with all your might!
Cameron Warnke is our spear expert.