Before some throwers blast their way into the comments section and let me know how wrong I am, let me start with a statement: If you've got a throw that's already working for you, and you look like you're performing modern interpretive dance whilst doing it, I'm not suggesting you change a thing. No, my sweet, summer child; you just keep doing your own thing.
BUT FOR THE REST OF US:
When you're first starting out (or maybe even a while after you've started out) in this goofy sport, there is an "ah ha" moment of figuring out your throw. Suddenly, it's there and consistent - and you'll be damned if you change anything about it. At least, that's how it was for me my first few seasons. Once I started hitting bulls consistently (and, if I'm being honest, even hitting 3s was a welcome change), I tried to lock-in my throwing style. At the time, I was going with a two-handed, full power kinda move. It felt great, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment. You know. Because of the violence.
But I was talking to a fellow leaguer who had a quite a few more leagues under their belt, and they said something to me that I haven't forgotten (though I have forgotten who said it. Sorry, mysterious sage): The more moving parts you have in your throw, the more things that can go wrong.
POCKET WATCHES AND HAMMERS
An easier way to understand what I'm getting at is to look at complex systems versus simple systems. A pocket watch, for instance, has a bunch of moving parts. It's lousy with gears and springs and whatever other magic makes them work. If one things goes wrong in that system, it's likely that the pocket watch simply won't work. It's delicate - it requires a level of smooth operation in order to stay functioning.
Compare that to, say, a hammer. A hammer is simple. It bonks things. No moving parts. You pick it up, you miss a nail a dozen times, you try to act like you meant to miss, and you put it down. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Now think about axe throwing. If you're making a whole bunch of movements each time you throw (using both hands, taking steps that feel unnatural, starting your axe at a position that requires an extended arc-of-throw or somesuch), you're adding a number of potential points-of-failure. IF you don't quite step in the same weird way, IF your right arm overpowers your left, IF your axe doesn't sweep past your head the same way as it typically does, the whole system is kinda out-of-whack. This is particularly true in cases where the rest of your throwing "system" depends on every other part of your throwing "system." "System." There. I did it three times.
LESS MOVEMENT = MORE ACCURACY
There is a direct relationship between the amount you're moving that beautiful body and how accurate your throw is going to be. By limiting the amount of axes (that is, the plural form of axis, not axes. Haha, what a fun little thing to have here) that your legs/core/arm are moving, you're limiting variables. And variables, baby, should be limited as much as possible.
So consider how you can reduce the amount of variables you're adding to your throw. Do you need to take an unnatural step? Can you figure out a way to not over-extend your body to complete your throw? What is the minimum amount of movement you need to complete an accurate throw on target? Getting yourself down to the minimum will not only make Marie Kondo happy, but it's very likely to make you happy, too.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Start with figuring out all the parts of your current throw. What are your little feetsies doing? What does your step look like? What are you doing with your off-hand (if you throw one-handed)? Are you arching or curving or wubbalubbing your spine? Do a full inventory.
Next, figure out why you're doing each part of your throw. Is there a reason you kick up your leg at the end? Is there a purpose to your ballerina-esque pose after your axe has left your hands? Figure out the why and you'll start understanding how much of that extra movement is key, and how much of it is just a leftover/unconscious clinger-on of your process of development.
Finally, start trying to eliminate that extra movement. Maybe you don't need to stretch out as much if you just start a little closer to the line. Perhaps that leg kick you're doing is not actually helping. Of course, maybe it is helping, but a throw unexamined is not worth...uh...throwing I guess?
Anyway - I think you'll find there are elements to your toss that can be cut out, and I likewise think you'll find that your throw will more consistently be accurate.
Comments