Looking for an axe throwing tip? Try the flying V

Way back when I started throwing (two years ago), I believed whole-heartedly that a big part of getting a more consistent throw was to do the same thing over and over until my muscle memory kicked in and I didn't have to even think about hitting the target where I wanted to.

So I tried to get my throw down and, when I thought I had it, I just threw and threw and threw until randos coming to the meadery thought I was some sort of broken man with a dark secret. A secret I only told my axe and the bullseye.

But here's the rub: clutches exist. So I'd throw at the bullseye maybe 50 times, then throw at the clutch maybe 50 times, and then drink some mead and throw at the bullseye 100 times, then the clutch 10 times. Then I'd go pee pee wee wees and do the whole thing over again.

BRAINS LIKE REPETITION, BUT THINKING DOESN'T.

I ran into a big problem with this method of improving my throw: I stopped thinking. There is of course something to be said for muscle memory. It's essential when you're doing something that requires accuracy. BUT there's also merit when first learning something to engage your brain. Throwing a few hundred times in a row and shutting down my noodle meant I wasn't learning what was working and what wasn't.

Instead, I was just kinda, you know, zombie-ing along with my throws. I was getting better, but I wasn't making any micro adjustments, I wasn't figuring out what worked really well, and how my hand/foot/step/throw position affected the outcome.

VARIETY FOR ENGAGEMENT

So I started practicing via the "flying V." It's simple:

I stole this image from IATF.com

1. Throw for the left clutch

2. Throw for the bullseye

3. Throw for the right clutch

Easy, right?

By making a little pattern and breaking up my throws, I was in fact engaging my brain a little bit more while also training myself to get used to going from bullseye, to clutch, and back. While lots of throwers are already past the point of that bullseye/clutch/bullseye switch being difficult, it made a huge difference in my case.

So if you're a new thrower who's looking to strengthen the consistency of your throw while not going bored-dumb over the repetition, give it a try. Hopefully you'll get more confident in your throwing and see some good returns during your league matches!