Tomahawk Throwing Technique

The activity leader should check that the thrower is physically able to throw the equipment being used. If in doubt use a ‘try axe’ (a 16” length of broom handle).

The thrower should:

• Stand on the throwing line and adopt their most comfortable throwing stance.  Usually a right handed throw would mean positioning the left foot forward of the right and vice versa to ensure stability when throwing.
• Hold the tomahawk in the preferred throwing hand by the base of the handle, single handed throwing only.
• Place the thumb of the throwing hand to the side of the handle, not on the top.
•  Face the target keeping your eye on the bulls-eye.
• Keep their wrist stiff, raise the throwing arm until the tomahawk is just over the shoulder.  They should not take their eye off the target.
• Throw the tomahawk overarm keeping the wrist straight.  Do not flick the wrist.
• Release the tomahawk as their arm comes forward in a similar position to throwing a ball overarm.
• Do not throw too hard, use only a single hand for throwing, no double handed throwing.
• Depending on the resulting throw and angle of embedding the activity leader may decide on adjustment for successive throws.