Dear Clutchy: I'm throwing in Round 1 - please help!

Dear Clutchy, I've decided to throw in Round 1 of the IATC - but I'm nervous about doing well enough to earn a spot in Round 2! My axe house was only given 3 spots, and I'm not the strongest thrower in any of my leagues. What can I do to maximize my score and minimize misses? Sincerely, Missing Points in Phoenix

Well, Missing Points, what can I tell you? Throw better.

But seriously - Round 1 is a weird experience. 75 throws, 15 big axes, it's like a practice that you're judged on. It feels really different than any other thing we do in the sport, so the mental game is maybe even more important than the physical one.

Here's what I'd recommend to you, Missing Points, and to anyone who's throwing in Round 1 for the first time (or feels like they need to up their Round 1 game in general):

Crazy Bob made this for the Meadery

Actually practice Round 1 before Round 1.

Goes without saying, but the best way to get comfortable with throwing Round 1 is to do some dummy Round 1s before the actual event itself. Get yourself a piece of paper and a pen, and do the thing just like you will when you're in it for real.

Your brain, that wild and spooky place, needs to experience something in order to get over nerves about it. Don't let your first time throwing Round 1 be the day of. Practice, get comfortable, and you'll see how much of a difference it makes.

Practice with other people who are also practicing.

Don't get me wrong - I absolutely hate people - but having people around who are also practicing Round 1 makes it a more immersive experience. There's a big difference between a solo practice (where things are quiet and you can really take your time/not worry about what's happening around you) and a group practice (where people are laughing, shouting, dropping axes, crying in a corner and whispering "maybe he never loved me"). So getting the full experience before the experience goes a long way.

Don't make it a huge deal in your brain.

I get it. This is what will decide if you're going to Toronto or not (if the border isn't closed by then, amrite, Americans?). But getting stressed about it and having a miserable time doing it isn't going to help. Your throw is your throw, and you're gonna do the best you can - so just kinda...you know...let it be what it will be.

To put it in a better way: the whole year was your "practice" for round 1. You're as prepared as you're gonna be, throw-wise. Let yourself enjoy the experience and everything will come out in the wash, good or bad.

Celebrate afterward.

I know lots of people qualify for Round 1. Perhaps too many people, if you ask me. But it's still a milestone in any axe thrower's axing career. So after Round 1, make it a point to celebrate with your axe venue chums. Get a drink, go to a pizza parlor. Hit up an arcade and win each other prizes - whatever. What I'm saying is, mark the moment. This is a goofy thing we're involved in, and we're lucky to be a part of it.

My final piece of advice: don't hit the clutches.

Rules are, on your fifth throw, you have to go for clutch. But don't. Don't do it. I don't come to your house and throw an axe at your face. Why are you doing it to me? just throw your axe on the ground and tell the IATF that you won't be part of their anti-clutch agenda. We can start a movement together. No more compulsory Clutch throws! Down with the Clutch hatred!

Have a question that needs Clutchy's Advice? Use the contact form at the bottom of the page and Clutchy will be more than happy to help!