It may not become an Olympic event but axe throwing is becoming more popular in Toronto.
Matt Wilson began the Backyard Axe Throwing League (B.A.T.L.) a few years ago with a small group of friends. Now the sport has it’s own warehouse space in the Junction with more than 100 league members all vying for the coveted title of B.A.T.L. Champion.
With my baseball background I figured axe throwing would be relatively simple to get the hang of but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Proper form and technique far outweigh raw power. It’s all about having the right alignment and nailing the release point. Men and women regularly compete against each other on a level playing field.
Five points are awarded for a bulls-eye, three points for the secondary ring and a single point for the outer ring. There are three sets with five axes thrown per set. On the final throw of a set, the thrower can aim for one of the two small green dots at the top of the board. Nailing these earns the thrower a ‘clutch’ score of seven points.
League champions get their name added to the coveted Wall of Champions.
I need more practice.
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