Dear reader, let me make some assumptions about what you understand in the world of axe throwing.
Oh, sorry, I mean to say axesumptions. Axesumptions about what you axerstand in the world of axe throwing.
It is LIKELY you understand the importance of consistency in your throw (hell, I've written a lot about it here, too, so if you don't understand the importance of consistency, I'll just go ahead and assume you hate me), and you understand how practicing consistency through rote throwing is essential.
But, as I lay in bed a few evenings ago, listening to a LoTR audiobook as I typically do, a thought crossed my little, fantasy-fueled mind: consistency and memorization is just swell, but what are the drawbacks? And, taking this thought even further: is it possible flexibility and improvisation can make you a stronger thrower than consistency and muscle memory alone?
THE ARGUMENT FOR AXE THROWING FLEXIBILITY AS PART OF YOUR PRACTICE:
One would be correct in thinking consistency is important in axe throwing. I mean, it's not like we have surprise rounds scattered throughout matches where we need to hit a moving target suspended by a drone or anything (unless.......), so figuring out how to consistently hit the target in the same places you wanna hit it is, uh, good.
But it's not everything. A significant issue with consistency without flexibility is how much you depend, too, on the consistency of variables. Variables like the condition of the boards, your own physicality and other unexpected complications.
What I noticed, dear reader, is how often throwers who possess axe throwing consistency (but not axe throwing flexibility) get tricked up by a relatively small variable. And how often that lil' variable dominoes into a big problem. This brings me to the next set of variables:
IMPROVISATION OR MEMORIZATION?
So let's say you're a consistent thrower who finds they are dropping or not hitting where they expect. IFFFFF you're too heavy on memorization, there's a real problem where you may not realize what, precisely, isn't working. And if you rely on memorization, it'll be more likely that you'll continue to have an off league night/tourney/whatever you hooligans do.
But, what if, instead, perhaps, you've spent some time working on improvising your throw?
Well, no. But I do admit I'm kinda on loose footing, here, as far as explaining myself goes. Lemme try to break it down.
improvising, in this case, is referring to a thrower's ability to modify their throw on the fly during a match to compensate for variables. Those variables could be the condition of the boards, how their sweet, sweet bodies are acting, or nerves/whatever.
This seems like a "no duh" kinda thing, but it's truly not: if you're hundo-P into muscle memory and nothing else, you can throw matches away by refusing to change your throw to account for things like I've listed. Consistency is great. Memorization is great - but nothing is great all the time.
Except for pizza. Pizza is a friend all the time.
So it's valuable, in this badger's opinion, to work on flexibility AND improvisation alongside consistency and memorization.
WHAT THAT MEANS WHEN STEEL MEETS WUUD:
This post is getting long in the tooth, so lemme save some time with a handy list of suggestions:
Chalk/paint/draw some clutches in odd spots and train yourself to hit 'em. Or, if you're an IATF thrower, find a WATL target and give that a go. This will help you get better at aiming rather than just memorizing the steps to hit the clutch right where it always is supposed to be.
Play axe games to get comfortable with how your throw responds to variables. For one thing, it'll make you think a bit more while throwing, and as a plus, it's pretty damned fun.
Throw around with other axes so you don't get bored/used to your own axes. This one is a bit esoteric, but I think people can get lazy with their own axe, and throwing around with a different one can remind you what you like about your axe/help you stay focused on throwing/reinforce your ability to adjust your throw on the fly.
Experiment with foot placement/starting position if only to check that the way you're doing things is still the best way for you. When I first started throwing, I was well behind the line. Then I was as far beyond the line as my lil' legs could manage. Now I'm somewhere between. Bodies change. Skills change. Check in with what you consider "locked in" to make sure you haven't unlocked some new ability in yerself.
I guess what I'm trying to communicate is: balance in all things. Don't think that throwing 10,000 times in the exact same way will always serve you well. Make sure you aren't JUST good at hitting the clutch and the bull. Instead, make sure you're working on getting better at throwing axes where you intend to throw them - in the long run, I think this helps a thrower get stronger, faster.
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