Having time to practice axe throwing can be difficult. Some of us (I reckon most of us) don't have access to a 24/7 target to throw at. And even so, jobs and family and a nagging sense that all of this is nonsense still persist, and finding the time to hone (or even just maintain) our throws can be tricky.
With this in mind, I put myself to the task of figuring out ways to improve one's throw without, you know, actually throwing. And I realize, of course, that the best way to practice is to...you know...practice. But much like my "kissing" pillow in 4th grade, you gotta make due with what you've got.
1. WORK ON GRIP STRENGTH
Your finger (scientific term: fingie) muscles are just tiny little guys. Think about it. Just little doods in there trying to do as much as they can. It doesn't take much to wear them down. Many folks are desk jockeys, if we're being honest, and that doesn't necessarily build up a hand's ability to maintain a consistent level of power or functionality.
To put a finer point on it: your hand muscles get weak easy, bub. And that's no good for consistency when throwing.
So consider, if you will, the benefits possible by strengthening your hand (i.e. grip) power. Getting your ol' fingies used to working for a living means they'll have the endurance to make it to the late-night matches, and no, that's not a euphemism for anything.
You can build up your grip strength by getting one of these gottamn monstrosities:
oooooorrr you can run down to your local pickeball court and get a tennis ball or two. Don't worry, most people who play that sport aren't going to catch up to you in a foot race. Point is, there are lots of ways to improve your grip strength for very little cost, and you can do it from anywhere. Building up grip strength can help build up grip endurance, which matters quite a bit in our goofy little sport.
2. VISUALIZE YOUR THROW
There is plenty of science behind how very successful athletes, doctors and the like visualize what they are going to do, and how it increases the likelihood of achieving the desired result. As this quick video from TedX explains, visualization helps both your mind and body experience success as if you've already physically achieved it, which removes some of the nerves and self-doubt you may experience.
And while this kinda sounds like some "The Secret" nonsense, I can write this honestly: when I started visualizing my throw, I got much better at throwing consistently. I visualized how my hand was positioned, where my feet were, the movement of my arm, all that business. It made it more likely that I could identify when something was off when actually throwing and correct it. Best part is, you can do it anywhere, bud!
Waiting for your coffee?
Visualize your throw.
Walking to work?
Visualize your throw.
Disassociating in the shower, warm water turning to cold because you've been replaying the last conversation you ever had with your ex for two hours, the one where they said they couldn't love you because you didn't know how to love yourself? You guessed it, buddy! Visualize your throw!
Visualization really works, and potentially helps you towards building muscle memory, but with your mind. Mind memory, if you will. Which, now that I see it written out, sounds really self evident.
Anyway, those are my two tips. Got more? Share 'em below.
You summama beep. You know wtf you did.
Watching other throwers goes a long way too. With so many tournaments available to watch on YouTube, you can spend a few minutes watching really accomplished throwers and glean from them… rather than doom-scrolling in IG or TT.