Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is a target sport where players throw a one-handed hatchet at a wooden target from a set distance. The target has concentric scoring rings, similar to archery or darts.

The goal: score the most points by landing your axe as close to the bullseye as possible over a set number of throws. The bullseye is worth the most points, with decreasing values for outer rings.

A typical session involves 3–5 rounds of throwing. The activity is popular at dedicated axe-throwing venues and takes about 10–20 minutes per match.

Equipment & Setup

• Hatchet: One-handed throwing axe, typically 1.5–2 pounds

• Target: End-grain wooden boards arranged in a circular target face

• Throwing distance: 12–15 feet from the target (varies by venue and league)

• Throwing lane: Each thrower gets a dedicated lane with safety barriers

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Target Layout

The standard WATL (World Axe Throwing League) or IATF (International Axe Throwing Federation) target has:

• Bullseye (center): Highest point value

• Inner rings: Progressively lower point values moving outward

• Outer ring: Lowest point value

• Clutch zones ("kill shots"): Two small circles in the upper corners of the target, only available on the final throw of each match — worth maximum points

WATL Scoring Rings:

• Bullseye (center): 6 points

• Ring 2: 4 points

• Ring 3: 3 points

• Ring 4: 2 points

• Ring 5 (outer): 1 point

• Clutch (kill shot): 8 points (final throw only)

• Miss / Drop: 0 points

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Throwing Rules

• Stand behind the throwing line — do not step over it during or after your throw

• Throw one axe at a time

• The axe must stick in the target to score — bounces and drops score zero

• The axe is scored based on where the blade is embedded, not where the handle points

• If the axe lands on a line between two scoring zones, the higher value is awarded

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Match Structure

• A standard match consists of 10 throws per player (or 3–5 rounds of multiple throws, depending on venue rules)

• Players alternate throws

• The final throw of each match allows the option to aim for the clutch (kill shot) zones

• After all throws, total scores are compared

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Safety Rules

• Never throw when someone is downrange retrieving axes

• Wait for the lane to be clear and signaled safe

• Do not throw axes that are damaged or have loose heads

• Wear closed-toe shoes

• Follow all venue-specific safety briefings

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Strategy Essentials

• Consistent grip: Hold the axe at the bottom of the handle with a firm but relaxed grip

• Overhead throw: Bring the axe straight back over your head and release as your arm comes forward — the axe should rotate once before hitting the target

• Distance calibration: Adjust your standing distance so the axe completes exactly one rotation

• Aim small, miss small: Focus on a specific point on the target rather than the general area

• Clutch decision: On the final throw, decide whether the clutch shot is worth the risk versus a safe bullseye attempt

Axe throwing uses higher score wins.

Record each player's total score summed across all throws. Players are ranked from highest to lowest total.

Ties may be broken by a sudden-death throw-off.

When recording an axe-throwing match in How You Rank:

1. Select Hatchet variant

2. Enter each player's total score across all throws

3. The system ranks players from highest score down