We get asked a lot of questions about joining axe throwing leagues. How good do I have to be? Do I need a team? Do I need an axe? A lot of our guests are intimidated by joining a league after their first time trying a new sport, but you shouldn’t be. For some basic information, you can read our past post on The Sport of Axe Throwing and get some practice tips in 5 Steps to Becoming an Axe Throwing Champion. We’ll be tackling questions related to your first day of an IATF axe throwing league at Total Axe.
I just started throwing axes. Am I good enough to join a league?
Of course! Many of our league members signed up for leagues after only one or two trips with friends. Some of them even dove head first before even trying it. On a typical night, our experienced throwers average anywhere from 40-80 (out of a possible 102 points). Beginners are typically on the low end of the scale, though some move up very quickly. Sometimes we run beginner leagues where averages can range from 20-60. No one starts out on the top. Our players that average 70+ are typically on more than one league at a time and have been playing for over a year.
What do I bring with me? Do I need a team?
Most leagues are typically solo play, meaning everything is 1-on-1. A lot of people will sign up with a friend, but you’ll be pitted against each other at some point. Axes are typically provided by the house, especially for beginners. You’re welcome to bring your own axe, though there are some restrictions based on the league. Hatchets are required to be 13-19 inches long with a wood handle and a blade length of no more than 4.25 inches. It’s best to start out with the house hatchets, and buy your own once you’ve tried out a few different types. Other than that, just remember to wear your closed-toe shoes!
What happens on a typical night?
Every night starts with warm-up time so everyone can get comfortable. During the regular season, usually the first 7 weeks, each player gets 4 randomly assigned matches throughout the night. Each match consists of 3 game of 5 throws (for a total of 15 throws). Most nights last about 2 hours. On the final week, players are seeded into a double-elimination playoff for the league championship. The top 4 players can expect the night to last a little longer than usual.
What if I have to miss a night?
As long as it’s not the playoffs, it’s no problem. Matches can be rescheduled so that you never miss a single game. Everyone has a life and as much as we love axe throwing, some other things come first. We’ll do our best to accommodate you so you can play all 28 regular season matches within the 7 weeks.
What are all these lines on the floor?
Great question! For the World Blade League, there is only 1 line for each discipline. Youth leagues throw hatchets from 10 feet away. Adult hatchet leagues throw from 12 feet and big axe is thrown from 15 feet. Before you can cross over to retrieve your axe, both players must have released their axes and you must make a conscious pause before proceeding.
Is that everything?
Pretty much. There’s some minor details that we’ll cover as we go on. We don’t want to overload you before your first day. If you’re interested, you can register for leagues here, or stop in some time and ask some questions!