4 Advanced Axe Throwing Techniques to Improve Your Skills

January 29, 2025

Axe throwing is no longer just a niche hobby. The activity’s blend of skill, precision, and a little adventure has made it a favorite pastime for individuals and groups. But beyond the fun of casual axe throwing lies a deeper challenge. Are you ready to refine your craft and master advanced axe throwing techniques? Whether you’re a seasoned thrower ready to try some new tricks or want to throw like the pros, these drills and techniques will help you refine your axe throwing skills.

Mastering Axe Throwing Fundamentals

If you’re planning to dive into advanced techniques, you should already know how to throw an axe. Mastering the foundational skills ensures a strong base for progression and reduces the risk of developing bad habits that could hinder your improvement. If you’re still new to the game, check out our beginner guide to axe throwing to familiarize yourself with the basics first.

Advanced Axe Throwing Techniques

One-Handed Axe Throwing

Focus on Your Grip and Stance

The one-handed throw demands precise control and a steady stance. Experiment with different grips to discover what works best for your build and throw style. The classic hammer grip will give you a firm but relaxed hold, with your thumb wrapped around the handle for better stability. If you’re looking to improve your precision, try using the pinch grip to grasp the handle between your thumb and forefingers instead. 

Remember to keep your stance stable yet flexible. A slightly staggered position with your dominant foot forward can improve balance and allows for smoother weight transfer as you throw.

Release Timing and Follow-Through

Perfecting your release timing is necessary for mastering the one-handed throw. Focus on releasing the axe at the apex of your forward motion, just as the head of the axe aligns with the target, to ensure consistent rotation. Your throwing hand should extend naturally toward the target, as if pointing at it, guiding the axe. Practice this motion to improve your one-handed throwing technique and help you hit the target more accurately.

Advanced Two-Handed Axe Throwing

While two-handed throwing is often the starting point for beginners, advanced throwers can elevate this technique by refining control, experimenting with advanced grips, and practicing trick throws. Try these tips to transform your two-handed throw into a tool for competitive precision.

  • Shift your Balance: Try shifting your dominant foot forward slightly more than usual to refine balance and weight distribution. This small adjustment can give you better leverage and improve rotation consistency.
  • Experiment with Grip Pressure: Practice evenly distributing grip pressure between your hands instead of relying solely on your dominant hand. This minimizes wobble in your axe’s rotation and creates a straighter trajectory toward the target.
  • Add Spin Control: Incorporate a slight flick of your wrist as you release your axe to fine-tune its rotation. Practice this skill on shorter throws first, then gradually increase distance as you gain control.

Advanced Axe Throwing Drills to Hone Your Skills

The Bullseye Challenge

To sharpen your axe throwing precision, dedicate practice sessions to hitting the bullseye. Start by aiming for the center of the target with a throw that feels natural to you. Make note of patterns in where your axe lands, then continue to make small adjustments to your stance and grip to bring yourself closer to the bullseye.

Around the World

This drill focuses on precision and control by targeting different sections of the board. Start by hitting the bullseye to begin your trip around the target. Next, aim for each of the outer red dots around the target, starting with the top left and rotating clockwise. Once you’ve successfully hit all the red dots, try to finish strong with a final bullseye. This exercise is a great way to build confidence in tackling varied target zones.

Competitive axe throwers often incorporate breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and a quick stance check before each throw.

Building Mental Resilience

Developing a Pre-Throw Routine

Visualization is a powerful tool for mastering axe throwing accuracy. Before each throw, take a moment to imagine the axe hitting your desired spot on the board. It may not seem like much, but this mental exercise is a great way to boost focus and reinforce muscle memory. 

Setting and Achieving Personal Goals

If you want to get serious about axe throwing, set specific objectives for each practice session. Whether it’s hitting the bullseye 10 times in a row or perfecting an advanced axe throwing technique, setting goals will help you stay motivated and monitor your improvement over time.

Physical Fitness for Advanced Axe Throwers

Strength Training

Axe throwing is a blast, but it can also be a real workout! Each throw engages your shoulders, core, and arms. Incorporate exercises like planks, shoulder presses, and rows to build strength and endurance in these areas. Physical conditioning outside of target practice can have a big impact on your throwing power and consistency.

Flexibility and Injury Prevention

Don’t forget to stretch to maintain flexibility and avoid unexpected injuries. While axe throwing is a safe activity overall, the repetitive motion involved in constant throwing practice can sometimes lead to strain if not properly managed. Dynamic stretches like arm circles or torso twists are great for warming up before throwing, and static stretches that target the shoulders and triceps can help reduce stiffness and improve your range of motion after each session.

Engaging with the Axe Throwing Community

Benefits of Competitive Participation

Once you’ve tried your hand at some advanced axe throwing techniques, you might feel ready to test your skills against others. The competitive axe throwing circuit is a great way to meet fellow throwers, and observing them in action can be a great way to watch and learn. You can also ask your local axe throwing venue how to get involved with a league nearby.

Take Your Skills to the Next Level at Stumpy’s Hatchet House

Ready to elevate your axe throwing game? We offer a supportive environment for advanced training, group activities, and competitions. Our expert staff and welcoming community are here to help you refine your craft while having fun.

Book your axe throwing session today and unlock your full potential at your local Stumpy’s Hatchet House.

Menu