The A-Zs of Axe Throwing

Have you been reading up on urban axe throwing and keep coming across technical terms you’re unfamiliar with? We’ve got you covered… Here are the A-Zs of axe throwing to help you understand the lingo!

Axe – What you’re there to throw! Technically called a hatchet.

Bullseye – When the axe strikes the middle of the target.

Champ Throw – A digital projection onto the target where you can play a variety of fun axe throwing games, aiming at moving targets. Read more about Champ Throw here.

Drop – When the axe fails to stick in the target and falls to the ground, resulting in no points scored.

Fencing – The metal guards between lanes. It’s open so spectators can see inside the lanes but enclosed to ensure the safety of everyone from rogue axes.

Handle – The base of the axe, usually made of wood. Where a thrower grips.

Head – The metal top of the axe, includes the blade.

Instructor – The staff member who will be there to show you the basics of axe throwing and be on hand throughout your stay to help tweak your stance and give you pointers to improve your skills.

Kill Shot – A type of shot that a thrower calls prior to throwing.  A successful kill shot is worth 10 points at the end of a match.  

Lane – The area where axes are thrown. Includes floor, ceiling, walls and target.

Match – A traditional game of axe throwing, called a match, is a set of three rounds totalling 15 throws. 

Participant – Any person on the premises not actively holding an axe.

Perfect Round- When all 5 throws in one round are bullseyes.

Rotation – The natural spin an axe has being thrown.  Throwers should have no more than one complete rotation to stick the axe in the target.  If a thrower is over or under rotating, the coach may instruct the thrower to position themselves closer or further away from the target to help the axe rotate properly.  .

Sticking an axe – Congratulations, this means you have successfully embedded your axe into the target wood!  

Target – Targets consist of one layer of 1-¾” thick boards, complete with a horizontal header and footer marked with four different point areas.

The Red Line – Represents the separation of the lane and the viewing area. Only one active thrower should cross this line into the lane. 

Thrower – Any person currently holding an axe, with or without the intent to throw.

Trick shot – A throw that is different from the standard one or two hand overhead throw.  Trick shots must be taught by qualified coaches.

Any other terms you’ve heard but are unsure what they mean? Ask one of our instructors - they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!