As someone who has been throwing axes for the past 3 years at BATL Canada, I can also add that you can use your pinky finger to "catch" the axe as you step and bring the axe back to your shoulder. I then exert pressure with my pinky finger while my other fingers and hand support the axe, allowing to rotate the axe slightly faster to get that perfect angle of penetration in the wood. It's very important when playing premiere rules to have as little of the blade stick into the bullseye so as not to bleed into the next ring for lower points. I'm realizing as I write this that it's far easier to show how to do it as to explain how to do it. :)
It's actually not an Axe Gang. It's called the Commander and it's made by WATL. It will be available in the Fall of 2020. All of the WATL high-end throwing axes can be found on the WATL store: store.worldaxethrowingleague.com/collections/axes
Are you throwing the commander axe? I throw using the Canadian flick but I have my left foot forward. Im pretty accurate with it but I tend to either put too much body motion or not enough into my throw.
That's correct Jason. It's called the Commander and will be available in approximately 2.5 months. If you're right handed, Most throwers throw with their left foot forward, then flick the axe at the target. You're doing it right. Just remember to keep your elbow in and straight!
The new rules say you can't cross the 12' line when you throw/release the axe or follow through. Are you still able to stay behind the line with your right foot?
This video would have pre-dated the new rules. You're absolutely right: under the new rules, you cannot cross the 12' ft line until scores are read by an official/judge/score keeper
Most of us have changed to a no step throw as the changes to the 12ft line rule. That being said, a step throw can be done. You just need to make 100% you can stop the motion of your step before the line and be able to step back to allow the judges to make their call on your score. It's easier said then done. The less you have to think about things outside of your throw the better.
One key difference to be able to come to a complete stop after taking a step is keeping your back straight throughout the motion. This allows your follow-through foot to be used to come to a full stop. If you're the type of person that leads forward heavily after releasing the axe and you have a tough time coming to a full stop, consider keeping your back straight throughout the full motion.
isn’t the distance a factor in the axes spin to sticking the target ??? … where 20 feet works but , 22 feet doesn’t also depending on the weight of the axe head ???
Great question Charles. It's a light grip. Not like a baseball grip were you're gripping hard. The axe needs to fly out of your hand, nice and easy. The pinkie is only out because Mario had a cut and a bandaid on.
It takes a lot of practice. Just remember to line up with your target, keep your elbow in and try to just release your axe without pushing it out or doing too much of a flick. It's all about finesse and control. The more time you spend throwing and working on your rotation then you can start to dial in on areas where you might struggle. One thing at a time. I tell everyone the same thing. Your targets should be: 1. stick it every throw. (Doesn't matter the points just stick it.) 2. Get within the target every time. 3. get into the 3/4 every time. 4. Then the 5 , then the bull. after you start feeling more confident in your 5/6 point throws then start working on the killshots. It takes months if not years to get to a point where you're competing at the top levels but if you're passionate and put in the time you'll get there. I started over 3 years ago and still love it.
To add what Michael Dolan wrote, it can be just minor things like where your feet are standing on the line. Moving an inch or two backwards or forwards can make the difference in your rotation and the angle your axe lands. It might not even be your arm or your flick. Also keep in mind that your forward step is what's giving momentum to your axe, not necessarily your arm. Your arm is there for the follow-through, not really the throw per se.
It's honestly a little different for everyone. I don't have strong arms, so I need to take a step forward to build momentum for my axe. Others are strong and don't need to step at all. The technique varies from person to person based on strength, height, even weight.
As someone who has been throwing axes for the past 3 years at BATL Canada, I can also add that you can use your pinky finger to "catch" the axe as you step and bring the axe back to your shoulder. I then exert pressure with my pinky finger while my other fingers and hand support the axe, allowing to rotate the axe slightly faster to get that perfect angle of penetration in the wood. It's very important when playing premiere rules to have as little of the blade stick into the bullseye so as not to bleed into the next ring for lower points.
I'm realizing as I write this that it's far easier to show how to do it as to explain how to do it. :)
Great instructional vid! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Is that an Axe Gang? What modifications did you make to it?
I want to know also
It's actually not an Axe Gang. It's called the Commander and it's made by WATL. It will be available in the Fall of 2020. All of the WATL high-end throwing axes can be found on the WATL store: store.worldaxethrowingleague.com/collections/axes
Are you throwing the commander axe? I throw using the Canadian flick but I have my left foot forward. Im pretty accurate with it but I tend to either put too much body motion or not enough into my throw.
That's correct Jason. It's called the Commander and will be available in approximately 2.5 months. If you're right handed, Most throwers throw with their left foot forward, then flick the axe at the target. You're doing it right. Just remember to keep your elbow in and straight!
The new rules say you can't cross the 12' line when you throw/release the axe or follow through. Are you still able to stay behind the line with your right foot?
This video would have pre-dated the new rules. You're absolutely right: under the new rules, you cannot cross the 12' ft line until scores are read by an official/judge/score keeper
Most of us have changed to a no step throw as the changes to the 12ft line rule. That being said, a step throw can be done. You just need to make 100% you can stop the motion of your step before the line and be able to step back to allow the judges to make their call on your score. It's easier said then done. The less you have to think about things outside of your throw the better.
I used to throw with a step and a Kobalt axe before the new 12ft rule. Had to completely revise my throw and move to no step.
One key difference to be able to come to a complete stop after taking a step is keeping your back straight throughout the motion. This allows your follow-through foot to be used to come to a full stop. If you're the type of person that leads forward heavily after releasing the axe and you have a tough time coming to a full stop, consider keeping your back straight throughout the full motion.
I also noticed you're throwing right handed, does the technique make a difference for a southpaw (left handed) person?
Hi Stevie, it doesn't make a difference at all. Exact same technique
isn’t the distance a factor in the axes spin to sticking the target ??? … where 20 feet works but , 22 feet doesn’t also depending on the weight of the axe head ???
How are you gripping the handle? I see your pinkie out.
Great question Charles. It's a light grip. Not like a baseball grip were you're gripping hard. The axe needs to fly out of your hand, nice and easy. The pinkie is only out because Mario had a cut and a bandaid on.
I'm struggling with getting the aim with this flick. I always land close but not always on target
It takes a lot of practice. Just remember to line up with your target, keep your elbow in and try to just release your axe without pushing it out or doing too much of a flick. It's all about finesse and control. The more time you spend throwing and working on your rotation then you can start to dial in on areas where you might struggle. One thing at a time. I tell everyone the same thing. Your targets should be: 1. stick it every throw. (Doesn't matter the points just stick it.) 2. Get within the target every time. 3. get into the 3/4 every time. 4. Then the 5 , then the bull. after you start feeling more confident in your 5/6 point throws then start working on the killshots. It takes months if not years to get to a point where you're competing at the top levels but if you're passionate and put in the time you'll get there. I started over 3 years ago and still love it.
To add what Michael Dolan wrote, it can be just minor things like where your feet are standing on the line. Moving an inch or two backwards or forwards can make the difference in your rotation and the angle your axe lands. It might not even be your arm or your flick. Also keep in mind that your forward step is what's giving momentum to your axe, not necessarily your arm. Your arm is there for the follow-through, not really the throw per se.
In the and all depends on your hability and aim, i have seen people throwing axes in a really strange or brutal way and they don’t fail even one!!😂
Just so everyone knows you don’t have to step at all. You can easily do it without the step.
No kidding its almost like he mentioned that in the video... Difficulty is subjective though.
It's honestly a little different for everyone. I don't have strong arms, so I need to take a step forward to build momentum for my axe. Others are strong and don't need to step at all. The technique varies from person to person based on strength, height, even weight.