The Ultimate Guide
HOW TO THROW
AN AXE.
As axe throwing becomes more and more popular in recent years, even being featured on ESPN, more people have realized the sport is incredibly enjoyable. We want to give you the tools to succeed whether you're coming to an event with us, want to join one of our leagues, or want to take up axe throwing at home.
The Basics
How to throw an axe.
What axe should I use?
You're going to need to start with a very sharp axe. The sharper the better. Despite what you might think, a sharper axe will be much safer since it will have a much higher chance to stick in the boards without using so much force!
The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) makes throwing axes for throwers of all skill levels that we'll touch on later. Throwing axes cannot be found in local hardware stores — those axes are designed to split wood. When axe throwing, we want to stick the axes in the target, not split it in half.
A sharp axe will not only help you stick the axe in the target, it will also make your target boards last longer.
Axe throwing target design.
In addition to a sharp axe you'll need an axe throwing target. The WATL has resources on how to build your own target. Their axe throwing starter kit includes the markers and stencil you'll need to draw your target lines.
Traditionally, targets are made of five vertical 2"x10" wooden planks arranged next to each other. When the target is in place, whether on a target stand, a wall or a combination of the two, you can then use the stencil and WATL markers to draw your target, including bullseye and Killshot (which is worth the most points).
Axe throwing safety.
Safety should always be the number one priority when throwing axes. You should make sure before you throw there is never anyone between you and the target and you have a minimum of a six foot radius around you that is clear of any other people.
If you're throwing at a venue or with a partner you'll want to make sure you throw the axes together and retrieve the axes together.
Axe throwing stance.
After ensuring the area is clear you will want to take one of two stances:
Two-handed: Line up directly in line with the bullseye about 12 feet away from the target. We may need to adjust the distance depending on the rotation of the axe.
One-handed: Line up with the shoulder of your throwing arm in line with the bullseye, again approximately 12 feet from the target. Two-handed throwing is easier for beginners.
For Beginners
The two-handed throw.
Hold the axe gingerly as if you were holding a golf club. The harder you grip the axe, the more difficult it will be to let go while keeping the axe straight.
Adjusting your distance:
More Advanced
The one-handed throw.
Make sure not to grip the axe too tightly as it can cause it to spin sideways. This is bad because we want the axe head to line up with the vertical wood grain.
At Home
Build your own target.
Looking to build your own target at home? Check out WATL's step-by-step guide on how to build an axe throwing target and watch their YouTube video tutorial for a visual walkthrough. These resources will help you set up a safe, durable target and get the most out of your new gear.
Ready to turn your backyard into your own personal axe throwing arena? The WATL Ultimate Starter Kit is the all-in-one solution designed to give you the full axe throwing experience — right at home.
What's inside the Ultimate Starter Kit:
Gear Guide
The best axes for axe throwing.
The World Axe Throwing League makes the best axes for axe throwing because they are designed specifically for throwing and not intended for any other purpose. They offer a variety of axes depending on skill level and personal preference. All WATL axes are made from forged steel for strength and have a straight 16-inch handle to allow for flexibility in throwing styles.
Beginner to Intermediate
The Competition Thrower
The easiest to recommend and best for throwers of beginner to intermediate skill. Built to be sturdy and take a beating while also maintaining a sharp edge to make throwing easy. At just over 2 lbs, great for prolonged throwing sessions. Also available in the WATL Starter Kit.
Purchase the Competition Thrower
The Commander
The suggested axe for those looking to make the transition from the Competition Thrower. Possibly the best balanced axe in the WATL lineup, extremely satisfying to throw and can really take a beating. Comes in as the cheapest premium axe that WATL sells.
Purchase the Commander
The Bad Axe
A WATL axe named after us. Maintains most of the same design as the Competition Thrower while improving on the blade to allow more coverage and a thinner profile.
Purchase the Bad AxeAdvanced
The Butcher
The most well designed axe in the WATL lineup. With the iconic cleaver design it allows for the maximum coverage and sticking power by any thrower. Because of its design, the Butcher is able to, if thrown correctly, offer more than the maximum blade length in coverage. It's been described by many as being too good it must be cheating.
Purchase The Butcher
The Corporal
Very similar to The Bad Axe for intermediate or advanced throwers. Maximum coverage with a perfectly straight blade is the advantage. This means much higher chances of sticking the axe if you have perfected your distance from the target. The extremely thin profile matches The Bad Axe.
Purchase The Corporal
Ace of Spades
The most advanced axe in the WATL lineup. With a teardrop shaped blade it allows for the maximum forgiveness and sticking power. Because of its design it is the most susceptible to damage from user error or poor target quality. Encouraged for experienced axe throwers only.
Purchase The Ace of Spades
WATL Big Axe
For those that want a different kind of throw experience. The WATL offers Big Axe specific leagues and competitions. The only axe on the market designed specifically for axe throwing with a profile that matches hatchet sized axes.
Purchase The WATL Big AxeENOUGH READING.
TIME TO THROW.
Book a session and our coaches will teach you everything in person.