Is axe throwing hard to learn?

No. Most beginners stick their first axe within the first 15 minutes with basic coaching. The two-handed overhead throw is simple, and every Craft Axe Throwing session starts with a safety briefing and hands-on instruction.

How far do you stand from the target?

The standard throwing distance is 12 to 15 feet from the target, which lets the axe complete one full rotation. If your axe hits handle-first, take a small step back; if it over-rotates, step slightly forward.

Do you throw an axe with one hand or two?

Beginners should start with the two-handed overhead throw - it is more consistent and easier to control. One-handed throws are common once you have the rotation dialed in.

Do I need my own axe?

No. Venues provide the throwing axes, which are sized and weighted for one full rotation at standard distance. Leagues and seasoned throwers sometimes bring their own, but first-timers never need to.

How to Throw an Axe: A Beginner's Guide

Axe throwing is a target sport where players throw a small, one-to-two-pound axe at a wooden bullseye from about 12 to 15 feet away. The throw itself is simple: a smooth, two-handed overhead motion - closer to a soccer throw-in than a swing. Here is exactly how to do it, the same way our coaches teach first-timers on the lanes every day.

Step 1: Grip the axe like a golf club

Hold the end of the handle with both hands stacked, the way you would hold a golf club or a baseball bat. Keep your grip relaxed - a death grip twists the axe on release and sends it sideways. The axe head should point straight at the target, blade vertical, not tilted left or right.

Step 2: Set your stance

Stand square to the target with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes at the throwing line. Some throwers prefer one foot slightly back for balance - either works, as long as your shoulders stay square to the board. Your power comes from your arms and a slight rock of the body, not from a wind-up.

Step 3: Find your distance

Standard throwing distance is 12 to 15 feet, which gives the axe exactly one full rotation before it reaches the board. Distance is the single biggest fix for new throwers:

Axe hits handle-first (under-rotated): take a half step back.
Axe hits top-of-head first (over-rotated): take a half step forward.
Axe sticks flat and drops: your release is fine - just add a touch more speed.

Step 4: The throw

Raise the axe straight back over your head, both arms extended.
Bring it forward in one smooth motion, like a soccer throw-in.
Release when the handle is vertical and your arms are pointing at the bullseye - roughly eye level.
Follow through: let your arms continue down and forward after release.

Do not flick your wrists. The axe rotates on its own; wrist-flicking adds spin and is the most common reason throws go wild. Smooth and straight beats hard and fast every time.

Step 5: Read the board and adjust

Every miss tells you something. Left or right misses mean your shoulders weren’t square or one arm dominated the throw. High or low misses mean your release point was late or early. Rotation problems are distance problems. Change one thing at a time and you’ll be grouping throws around the bullseye within a few rounds.

Scoring, once you’re sticking

Most venues score WATL-style (World Axe Throwing League): the bullseye is worth 6 points, with rings of 4, 3, 2, and 1 moving outward. The two small blue dots in the top corners - the killshots - are worth 8 points, but only when called before the throw. Standard matches run 10 throws a game. Curious about the full rules? Our coaches walk every group through scoring before the first competitive round.

What it costs and what’s included

A one-hour session typically runs $19–$25 per thrower, and every session at Craft Axe Throwing includes a safety briefing, hands-on coaching, and your own reserved lane - see current pricing for details. Groups of three or more get discounted per-person rates, which makes it an easy pick for parties and corporate events.

First time? Wear closed-toe shoes, arrive a few minutes early for the safety walkthrough, and check the FAQ for everything else. Then pick a lane, square your shoulders, and let it fly.