
What are the throwing target dimensions for the axe throwing League?
The throwing target dimension requirement for the World Axe Throwing League is 4 feet x 4 feet. In addition, there also needs to be one additional foot on the top and bottom of the target board. However, getting the dimensions correct is only one aspect that needs to be kept in mind.
How far should I throw my axe?
If you plan to throw an axe two handed (popular for beginners), square your shoulders with the target and place your line of sight directly in front of the bullseye. You should be approximately 12 feet from the target; although, the Axepert may adjust your distance depending on the rotation of your axe.
How far away should the target be from the throwing line?
Set a distance of 12 feet from the target to your throwing line. From your throwing line, create a 3-foot deep throwing box where people can position themselves to throw their axes.
What is axe throwing?
Axe throwing is a game where you throw an axe at a target. While the size of the target depends on the availability of the area, the distance from the point of axe throwing is the main thing in the game. There are two leagues that hold events and competitions.

How far away is the line for axe throwing?
12 feetPreparing your axe throwing area Professional axe throwers often recommend that you put in the extra effort to build a backstop, complete with sidewalks that are 6 feet apart, to contain the axe after it's thrown in the air. Set a distance of 12 feet from the target to your throwing line.
How big is the target for axe throwing?
IATF OFFICIAL TARGET SIZE - The wooden target measures 35.5" x 27.5" and is the official size used by the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF). Bullseye measures 7" in diameter. Red three-point ring measures 17". Blue one-point ring measures 27" across.
What is the target made of for axe throwing?
Ideally the wood you use should be not too soft and not too hard. Softer wood allows for the axe to stick when you throw it, but too soft and your target will degrade quickly. Pine and spruce are both good options.
What is best target for throwing axes?
Poplar. Poplar is considered as a common and popular wood for axe throwing target because of its very smooth surface and being a non-resinous wood. ... Cottonwood. Cottonwood is undoubtedly one of the best woods for axe throwing targets. ... Pine. Pine is a good option for axe throwing target. ... Willow. ... Spruce. ... Cedar. ... Palm.
How do you build a target for axe throwing?
0:045:35How to Build an Axe Throwing Target - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna make an axe throwing target board three eight foot two by tens cut all of them in halfMoreWe're gonna make an axe throwing target board three eight foot two by tens cut all of them in half some scrap plywood or even some sheep OSB layout YouTube iTunes fight across and one at the top.
How big is the clutch in axe throwing?
On the upper half of the target are two little blue dots, one on the upper-right and one on the upper-left. These dots are called the clutch, and they are the high-risk, high-reward scoring areas on the axe throwing target. If you go for the clutch and miss, you'll most likely score just 1 point, or maybe even 0.
How heavy is the axe in axe throwing?
between 2.25 and 2.75 poundsAccording to the IATF, the head of a felling axe used in a big axe throw must weigh between 2.25 and 2.75 pounds, and the length of the handle must be a minimum of 25 inches, which includes the handle in the blade's eye.
Is axe throwing easy?
2:062:50Axe Throwing Tips For Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe one handed technique is quite simple you want to keep your arms straight elbow. In it doesn'tMoreThe one handed technique is quite simple you want to keep your arms straight elbow. In it doesn't require much force. Bring it nice nice and close back to you release. And that's it.
Is axe throwing hard?
If the axe, or knife, or sword, hits the target with its handle there is a chance it can bounce back towards the thrower. “That's why we say don't throw it as hard as you can because then it'll bounce back harder,” Meehan-Berg said. It turns out it's quite a thrill to throw an axe. It feels a bit naughty.
What do you spray on axe throwing boards?
You should spray down axe targets every day, even if no one is throwing. When throwing, you should plan on watering axe targets in between groups or every hour or so. Put enough water on so the boards absorb as much as possible, and any excess starts to run off.
What are the rules for axe throwing?
WATL players are allowed to throw axes in one of two ways: 1 hand holding the axe, in an overhand or underhand position, with the blade facing the target before release. 2 hands holding the axe with the blade facing the target before release. No other style of throw is permitted.
What is the best axe for axe throwing?
The best overall throwing axe is made by the World Axe Throwing League. It is specifically designed for axe throwing competitions, which is evident in its thin profile and sharp blade which makes it much more likely to stick into the wooden target.
Can I throw axes in my backyard?
It can be in your backyard or even a garage if you have very high ceilings (minimum 12 feet tall). Once you have identified where you will be tossing, most experts recommend building a backstop with sidewalls six feet apart to contain the axe after it's thrown.
What are the rules for axe throwing?
1:124:34The Rules of Axe Throwing (WATL) - EXPLAINED! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey are permitted to throw their axe into the target. They are allowed to use one hand or two handsMoreThey are permitted to throw their axe into the target. They are allowed to use one hand or two hands to throw the axe. But they must throw the axe in overhead manner underhand throws are not allowed.
How many rings are in axe throwing?
How Does The Target Scoring Work? Generally, The axe throwing targets some with one bullseye, four rings, two special zones are known as the clutch.
How do you score an axe throw?
Scoring zones are split into two sections, yellow dots (bullseyes) worth 5 points each, and hitting the red band surrounding them worth 2 points. Axe handle hits are 1 point each. The axe blade must stick in the target to result in full points awarded. You can find WATL Leagues at many axe throwing venues.
World Axe Throwing League Targets
If you want to stick to the official rules of axe throwing when making your own axe throwing target, the WATL has you covered. They have outlined the breakdown for exactly how to mark up your target board to the official size and dimensions.
Make Your Own Axe Throwing Target on a Budget
If you want to save a few bucks or you’re just feeling extra crafty, you can also use the official WATL target measurements and guide to make your own stencil. So, What are the Axe Throwing Target Measurements and Target Height? Here are the axe throwing target dimensions for each ring on a standard wooden target:
Construction of Axe Throwing Targets
Building a wooden target for axe throwing requires specific dimensions and materials to make it suitable for hatchet and axe throwing.
Maintenance of Your Target Area
It’s important to keep your axe throwing board ready for every last throw! Spraying down your axe throwing target with a fine mist of water is great for landing a solid hit! The water soaks into the wood, making it a little softer and more receptive to the blade edge of the axe head. An axe is more like a wedge than a super sharp katana blade!
One Bullseye Makes all the Difference
They say practice makes perfect, and I’m inclined to agree. If it sounds like a lot of work to make your own axe throwing target, you’re not wrong? Honestly it would be a whole lot easier to come on down to Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing! We can help you to improve your axe throwing skills and you might just make a few friends along the way.
What is the purpose of the World Axe Throwing League?
The mission of The World Axe Throwing League is to promote competition through sportsmanship and fair play. Our Axe Throwing Rules assure that all leagues and events are played in a sportsmanship-like manner. Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to maintain a high degree of sportsmanship up to and after ...
When is the World Axe Throwing Championship?
The World Axe Throwing Championship is held once per year after the end of the Fall season in late November or early December.
What is a big axe league?
A sanctioned Big Axe League is the axe throwing league hosted at a participating WATL affiliated venue that follows the rules and regulations of the World Axe Throwing League. Big Axe Targets can not have Footer boards protrude further than the target boards. The Target boards may protrude over the footer boards.
How is an axe score determined?
An axe’s score is determined as the axe rests in the target and should not be removed to determine the score. Please see exception for Duals throwing in Section P. If there is no visible eye of the axe in the top of the axe head then it counts as where the handle would meet if going straight through.
How far off the ground should a footer be?
The footer also provides the benefit of allowing you to change boards quicker and easier. The top of the footer should be 36 inches off the ground. The end product is a backboard that is 4′ feet x 6′ and another layer of wood that fully covers the back at 4′ feet x 6′ as well. YouTube. World Axe Throwing League.
Do targets have markings?
Targets will have no marking other than the lines, bullseye, and Killshots. “#WATL” or “World Axe throwing League” is required to be listed prominently on either the header or footer boards. WATL requires proper lighting insofar as boards are able to be seen clearly from behind the throwers.
When do you have to arrive to the playoffs?
Players are required to arrive to the playoffs at the start of regulation play.
How many points do you need to win in axe throwing?
Axe throwing has its own variation of cornhole. Players are split into teams of two and scoring is typically done to 21. Your team must score exactly that number of points to win. If your team is at 19 points and get 4 points for a total of 23, that doesn’t count and your score is reset to 19.
When is axe throwing 101?
Axe Throwing 101: A Complete Guide to Rules, Technique and Games. October 1, 2020. June 25, 2019. Axe throwing has quickly spread across North America and other parts of the world as one of the favorite new bar games and sports among the younger demographic. With hundreds of venues all over the globe dedicated specifically to axe throwing, ...
How to throw one handed?
For the one-handed throw we will start by allowing the axe to swing down beside our leg and using that swinging momentum to bring it up again past the ear of our throwing hand.
Why is it smart to throw a bullseye?
Tip: Because the bullseye is so small it is often smart for one player to throw in an attempt to get a bullseye and the other to attempt to score in the ring just outside for four points. This will prevent axes from smashing into each other and falling out resulting in zero points.
What is the sport of throwing an axe?
The governing body for the sport of axe throwing is the World Axe Throwing League (WATL). Let’s take a look at their scoring system:
Why is it better to throw second or first?
There is an advantage to throwing second, instead of first, because having the last throw will allow you the chance to get an exact number of points typically needed to close the game. The team that scored most recently always throws first.
How to throw a soccer ball with both hands?
For the two-handed method you are gripping with both hands, bringing the axe straight back over your head as if throwing a soccer ball, pulling the axe forward and releasing when your hands line up with where you are attempting to throw.
How wide should a throwing axe target be?
Throwing Axe Target. Well, you can build your own target made of wood and it should be at least 25 to 36 inches wide. It will be hard to build one if you are not an expert carpenter or woodworker so it’s better to buy one. Tip- you can take a tree stump of size around 24 inches and just place it as a target to hit.
How to throw an axe with two hands?
Hands should be holding the axe from the bottom not close to the axe head. You can hold the shaft folding one hand over the other or place second hand above the first on the handle. There are some variations to the two-handed throw. 1st method.
Why are Tomahawks used in axe throwing?
Their aerodynamic shape gives them the advantage to penetrate through the air with lesser friction. That’s the reason why tomahawks are used for axe throwing competitions. Tomahawks normally come in 2 pieces “handle and the blade “where the head can be detached for sharpening and can easily be replaced.
What is a Tomahawk handle?
The cutting blade on both sides of the head. Tomahawk handles. Long handles. Tomahawks handles are pretty straight and with long handles, they are not easy to carry but can perform a function like splitting wood, breaking locks, opening doors in an emergency, etc. Short Handles.
How to throw a tomahawk?
There are 2 basic techniques involved for throwing tomahawks, axes or hatchets. 1. Throwing with both hands. Normally people feel comfortable when throwing an axe with both hands and it’s pretty safe and gets more Power behind the axe. This technique is preferred if you are a beginner and learning the art.
How to use an axe for left handed?
Handle length should be small enough to apply this technique. Hold the axe with your right hand with right foot forward if you are right-handed vice versa for Left-handers. Hold the axe right from the bottom take it right over your head and release the axe at the point when it’s completely upright .
How to release an axe?
You should release the axe when it’s perfectly aligned straight or upright. Don’t hold it so tight because Handle can get stuck in the hands. Throwing long handle axes.
How to build an axe throwing target?
Building Your Axe Throwing Target. Step 1: Screw the front and back spreaders to the ends of the bottom lengths. Step 2: Screw a spreader approximately in the center of the bottom lengths. Step 3: Screw one of the upright vertical length spreaders to the top of the vertical lengths.
What is a WATL axe?
WATL Axes, unlike standard hardware store Hatchets, are designed to be thrown. The Competition Thrower, which comes with the Starter Kit, is the perfect Throwing Axe to practice with.
Where to find targets in WATL?
We have some outlines for the targets in our WATL Official Rules you’ll find at any WATL affiliated venue, and they can be found under Section H. These targets are intended more for venues to place permanent axe throwing, wall mounted, targets.
What is a premium line of axes?
Our Premium Line of Axes are intended for advanced Axe Throwers, and feature patented Throwing Axe designs.
How to throw an axe two handed?
To throw the axe two handed, try performing the steps below all in one motion: Find a light, comfortable grip, bring the axe directly behind your head with both arms. Bring your arms forward and release the axe at eye level. Finish the throwing motion with both arms stretched out in front of you.
How to release an axe?
Bring the axe forward as if you were throwing a dart and release it at the point where the axe handle is perpendicular (straight up and down).
How to grip an axe?
Find a light, comfortable grip, bring the axe directly behind your head with both arms.
What is perfect distance?
Perfect Distance: If your hits parallel to the target board you are at the perfect distance.
What is the best axe for a target?
If you’re curious about which is the best axe to use for your target, I would highly recommend the Cold Steel axe. These are specced out perfectly to comply with any league rules, are pretty cheap and will last you a good while:
What axe do you use for practicing?
Keep in mind – the type of axe you use for practicing could be any one of these (super awesome) viking axes here or even any of these hatchets.
How to make a bullseye with 2x4s?
Cut the remaining 2x4s at the point where it is at the center of the 2×6. Attach so that they create a tri angle. Line up the 2x4s. Cut at center of 2×6 and line up to form the triangle base. After that, just draw your clutches and bullseye. If you want to get it just right in accordance to WATL regulations, the bullseye (black) is 7″ long, ...
How high are the green clutches on a sandbox?
The 2 green clutches are 39″ up from the base and 4.25″ to the inside seams of the boards.
What angle to cut a 2x4?
We shall be using our last 2×4 to create a solid third leg to hold up our target. By using our saw we will begin to cut the tip of our final piece in a 90 degree angle.
Where to cut 2x4s for a 2x6?
Cut the remaining 2x4s at the point where it is at the center of the 2×6. Attach so that they create a triangle.
When is it time to paint a target?
Once out target is screwed and sized up, it will then be time to paint. However some people might have come across the question.
What is the target of an axe range?
A standard target is a 24-inch diameter wooden block that has a bulls-eye in the middle and five rings spreading outward. The target also includes two small circles at the upper-left and upper-right corner of the circle that are counted as ‘kill shots.’
How many points do you get for a kill shot in axe throwing?
The scoring rubric for axe throwing rules is slightly similar to archery and darts with a spin. Scoring is set as ten points for a kill shot, six points for the bull’s eye, four points for hitting the second ring, three points for hitting the third ting, two points for hitting the fourth ring, and one point for the fifth ring. In the case of a tie, a sudden death round will decide on who can get the higher throw after one throw per player.
How to get a hatchet to bounce off?
2. Preparing your axe throwing area. Whether it is a gun or archery range, you’ll need to implement proper safety precautions to ensure a safe environment for you and your surroundings. Clear your lawn of obstacles that can cause your hatchet to bounce off unpredictably if you miss the mark.
What is competitive axe throwing?
Competitive axe throwing is a hobby that can give you the edge of archery and gun shooting with spending a quarter on equipment and gear. This deceivingly simple sport is more fun than you can imagine, and part of it comes from how easy it is to set up, even in your backyard.
How far apart should you put an axe?
Professional axe throwers often recommend that you put in the extra effort to build a backstop, complete with sidewalks that are 6 feet apart, to contain the axe after it’s thrown in the air. Set a distance of 12 feet from the target to your throwing line.
How long does it take to learn axe throwing?
Similar to playing cards, axe throwing takes a minute to learn but will take you a lifetime of fun to master. In this article, we will share a four-step guide to help you make a personal axe throwing range:
How many throws per axe throw?
Setting up your axe throwing match. In competing with your friends, you’ll have to take turns in building up your score. There’s a total of ten throws per match, with the person gaining the highest aggregate score becoming the winner. The scoring rubric for axe throwing rules is slightly similar to archery and darts with a spin.
What happens when you touch the line on an axe?
Touching the Line: If the axe is in two rings simultaneously, then the player is awarded the points for the higher valued ring.
Can you delay throwing an axe?
No Delays in Throws: Players may not ‘delay’ in throwing the axe in hopes that opponent’s axe may fall out of the target or use delays for strategic advantage.

Code of Conduct
Procedures and Specifications
- Section G: Lanes
1. Each throwing area is designated as a throwing lane. 2. A regulation lane for competition must contain 2 targets. 3. Fences or walls block this area from the rest of the facility to keep throwers and axes all contained in a safe environment. 4. Only the two participating throwers and the axe … - Section J: Judges
1. A Certified Judge must always be present while members are throwing during league play. 1.1. A 5′ radius should be maintained around every participant holding an axe, however, the judge may approach the participants and enter this 5′ radius to provide instruction. 2. After a call is made b…
Televised Match Rules
- These rules do not affect any sanctioned event, other than Televised WATL Finals. These rules may be subject to change before a Televised event.
WATL Regions
- Canada West: British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory Canada East:Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut Pacific:California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii Mountain:Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho South:Mississippi, Louisiana…