Completing the basics of tomahawk throwing extends past the anatomy & building a target. In this article, we’ll conclude the necessary constructions to make when practicing hawk throwing and look at helpful tips that can greatly improve your accuracy on time.
Building a Target for Your Hawk Throwing
Selecting between planks & logs for building your target shouldn’t be a headache. Planks are more readily available & easier to put together, but they are not as sturdy as logs. A target built out of planks will not last for long — unlike what you build with the cross pieces of large logs. If the ease of convenience is the sole reason you prefer planks, you should employ a woodsman who can handle everything expertly.
What Stand Should Your Target Have?
We already mentioned the importance of a stand for your target. A target without a stand cannot possibly withstand your throws. There are three main types of stands to build for your target: a basic/custom stand, a portable one, & a heavy-duty stand.
- The basic stand is the easiest to construct. It only needs putting two 2×4 legs at the back of the target & position it against a strong tree. Surely easy to build, but remember it collapses easily if any error is made in its construction.
- Meanwhile, the portable stand can be folded, meaning that it is easier to move about, obviously. That’s what portable means, no? However, constructing a stand needs a capable craftsman, as a lot of skills are needed to carve the desired angles. For a well-constructed portable stand, you need a portable hinge, trimmed corners & good back legs.
- Finally, the heavy-duty stand. This option holds the reputation for being more reliable for targets built with logs. It is typically made using landscape timbers, meaning there’s no hope of portability at all — except if you own a pickup truck. A heavy-duty stand costs materials, skills & time. A woodsman may be your best bet.
Done with that, safety is an important consideration when building a target. We can’t overlook the fact your throws will not always hit the target (especially if you’re just starting). It is, therefore, essential to have a mechanism in place to protect everyone around you. This means that your stand needs to have a lot of space in its front, back & sides. If there isn’t enough space, you must construct a backstop to weather every throw that doesn’t hit the target.
The ideal material for your backstop is a heavy-duty metal fence or heavy plastic construction. You have to ensure that the poles put in place are very strong. Bamboo is an advisable choice. As a beginner to hawk throwing, a backstop has to be erected to avoid accidents.
Guidelines for Throwing a Hawk Accurately
First off, you need to keep in mind that the hawk is designed to be heavier at the end of its head. To become skilled, you have to be familiar with the weight & be able to tell the size difference. As against other ax-looking cutting tools you’re used to, the hawk’s impact force is greatly influenced by the weight of the head.
In essence, you don’t even have to make a strong throw. Your hatchet weight fulfills most roles for you. What you have to pay attention to is the distance as well as your accuracy.
Here are other things to have in mind for your throwing efforts.
- You can make a full-turn throw by setting your cutting edge towards your target & then assume about 14 feet from the target. The ideal stance for throwing is a customized standing stance.
- You may mode the back foot forward, so it is level with the forward foot as you see through your throw. Handle foot placement by positioning the toe of the left foot on the distance mark, while the right maintains some distance behind it, but slanting towards the left foot.
- You’ll have to heave your body weight forward when you make a throw, and this is only by flexing the knees. Hold the hawk with your right hand at chest level, while the left hand is supporting it. Put your elbows in front of your body, ensuring they maintain a shoulder-width distance between them.
- Your aim has to be a spot on the target. When you settle for a spot, bring the hawk to your eyes, so it is in the same line with your target. Ideally, this is the position to take for concentration, consistency, repetition & throw adjustment.
- To throw, raise the right hand, so it sits along your head, meaning that it is directly over the right shoulder. At this time, move your body back slightly while the left finger points at the target. Here, move your throwing hand back & forth in a measuring effort & wait so.
- For a successful throw, you need two movements to accelerate the hawk’s movement upon release. Thrust forward using a forward motion of the right hand, and while you do this, the left arm has to swing down as the body shifts forward.
- Release the hawk when the right hand assumes full-forward motion. You will find your body weight in the left foot at this point, while the right foot may be off the ground. It is usual here to find your left arm swinging behind your body. Regain balance by resting your right foot close to the left forward foot.
There are several techniques to throwing a tomahawk, such as a step into, step from, feel together, reversed footing, loft rear door & strong follow-through. However, the typical stance heaps pressure on the left foot you keep forward, so you can deliver a good throw.
Conclusion: Completing the Basics of Tomahawk Throwing — Part 2
Completing the basics of tomahawk throwing is not an extremely difficult process, nor is it as easy as using other weapons. However, with sufficient knowledge & repeated practice, you will surely become very skilled at it. Can you throw a hawk correctly? If yes, how often do you use it?