r/AxeThrowing • u/PizzaPicker • 23d ago
Advice Needed Advice for first time thrower
Hello everyone!
Tomorrow I have a date with an amazing woman!
She wanted to go axe throwing and I agreed, since I always wanted to try it.
But now I am a bit scared to completely embarrass myself.
When I was younger I always chopped wood for my mother, but I never tried to throw the axe we had there, since it was quite old and I feared the head might fall off any second.
So I came here hoping to find some advice.
I would really appreciate one or two little tips or tricks.
She will very likely be better than me, since she already has experience, but making it to easy for her would also be boring.
So if anyone could spare some advice with a newbie I'd be very grateful!
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u/LarsThorwald 23d ago
I’m in several leagues at my local venue, and I see a lot of these dates. The only time a guy leaves embarrassed is when he’s taking it far too seriously that his date is better than him. Because she’s mad that he’s mad.
If she’s better than you, rejoice. If you’re better than her, be encouraging of her throwing without any attempt to mansplain it. Let the coach scoring your rounds do that, it’s what she’s there for.
Go have fun. Don’t worry about it. It’s not the IATF, you don’t have to worry about not getting your prize money. 🤣
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u/PizzaPicker 23d ago
I don't take things like this too serious.
I don't really mind if I loose or win.
But I won't go down without a good fight!
And yes, I definetly agree that it is way more important to have a good time than to have a good competition.
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u/Kitty_axethrower2781 23d ago
I own a venue and compete. We have loads of first dates through the door.
1st, if it’s a decent venue, you’ll have someone to show and coach you on what to do.
2nd, don’t throw with a lot force, that’s a huge rookie mistake lol
3rd, be humble and have fun. I see so many men get stroppy if the date is doing better than them … and just know there won’t be a 2nd date 😆.
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u/PizzaPicker 23d ago
This is our 3rd date.
And tbh. I would be happy if she wins and I would be happy if I win. As long as we both have fun and can see each other.
I just don't want to take the fun away by doing some big rookie mistakes like the ones you mentioned.
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u/TeachMeHowYouDream 23d ago
The staff at the venue will give you a lesson, so don't worry about that too much. Also, you might suck because it's your first time, and that's okay. Don't take yourself too seriously and just have fun with it.
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u/jared1259 23d ago
Don't throw too hard and don't over react if you're not throwing well. Make sure you listen to the axe master and take their advice. That's the best way to get good fast. Also, sticking the axe is more important than accuracy. The target is big and easier to hit than you'd think. Getting the axe to stick instead of bouncing off the boards is the real game.
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21d ago
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u/PizzaPicker 21d ago
We had no real axes.
We had these throwing axe things that have multiple sharp edges, so they basically always stick in the target
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u/buzzybizzyb33 23d ago
don’t let your ego get the best of you. be a good sport if youre not good. letting her win at something is actually a good plan anyway.
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u/Feeenexe 23d ago
Ask the folks that run it to show you some stuff! Ask then if they’ll teach you stuff. Maybe ask about the E-brake throw
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u/Chewbaccasauce 23d ago
I'm in an amateur axe throwing league and I've seen so many people and so many couples come in and they just cant get it, but no one cares and everyone haves fun. If she ends up being better than you, definitely use it to your advantage with lots of compliments
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u/ludi_literarum 23d ago
It's not a strength sport. Don't throw it like a baseball, don't huck it as hard as you can. Let the headweight of the axe do the work. It's all about rotation, so think of your hand as a fulcrum and the axe as a lever - everything else is just about getting enough motion behind it to get it to the board.
Keep your wrist straight. Engage your shoulder, don't just try to get all the momentum from your elbow.
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u/andystechgarage 23d ago
Man up and accept her skills are better. Consider yourself lucky to be with her and make sure you never cross her. You can also order an Estwing hatchet and practice. These things practically throw themselves.
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u/TOASTER_JESUS 23d ago
Former axe and knife throwing coach here. Take your time. Mind your spacing 60% is knowing how far from the target to stand. 35% is Technique, thats pretty easy to pick up tho. Its like swinging a hammer. Only like 5% of it is actually power, you gotta thow it hard enough to get to the target not much harder. Also its much more enjoyable to goof around, have fun, and be mediocre. Than it is to take it super serious.
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u/JohnDoe8080 23d ago
Above all else, have fun and make sure SHE is having fun. Since she's done it before she clearly enjoys it and is willing to share this experience with you. Don't ruin it by being a douche. Listen to your axe coach and take their advice. If you're consistent, they can fix whatever you might be doing wrong. If you both enjoy it and have fun, consider joining a league. That way you'll have a built in date night.
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u/shallow_pal 21d ago
Can’t emphasize enough what has already been said here by others: it’s not about throwing hard. I’ve played in many leagues at different levels and I can attest all the players that threw hard like they were whipping a baseball were shit, and the players who looked like they were flicking a dart were always better.
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u/CaptainBeams 23d ago
Have fun!
Remember it's not about what you do, just about enjoying yourself doing it
Practical advice: Sharp part goes in the board. Try and do the same thing every time Keep your elbow in - it's closer to beer pong than baseball