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The second game we played was like basketball’s
“21,” except that in ax-throwing, the
goal was to hit the correct target numbers
to get to 23 exactly. The other team took
the lead there. The last game involved more
careful aiming — which the instructor also
taught us how to do — with each team having
to hit ring number one, then two, then
three, etc., staying in chronological order,
until they hit both “skill shots” — dots located
in the corner of the target which the instructor
said were mostly only hit by luck.
We took a truce there, and moved on to
archery, which was fun because you felt
like you had a lot more control of where
the arrows landed. Everyone channeled
their inner Katniss and we ended up
keeping score individually.
Overall, everyone had a blast and it was
a really fun, unique activity, perfect for the
long winter months. The cost is $25/player
for a 1 hour and 15 minute session, and
you can get a private range for six players
or more (12 players max). Learn more at
axesandarrows.com.
AXES & ARROWS
INDOOR EXTREME SPORTS LIC
47-11 VAN DAM ST., LIC
AXESANDARROWS.COM
718-361-9152
Our instructor explained everything
carefully and gave us a lot of feedback
as we threw, whether we needed to step
up closer, throw slower or aim higher. It
was surprising to learn that it wasn’t really
about the power of the throw, but more
about technique and accuracy. A lot of
people initially just go up and chuck the
ax forward, but you’ll have no hope of hitting
the target that way.
Instead, you hold the ax over your head,
low enough that the back edge is touching
your back, and then step forward with
your prominent leg and swing it over your
head, throwing forward from your elbows.
My very first throw I actually hit the target
and my ax stuck — which was pretty crazy,
and prompted my group to think I had
some kind of ax-throwing background I
was keeping secret. I didn’t, which was a
quickly proven as we moved on.
After a couple of practice rounds we
moved to games — which brings out everyone’s
competitive streak. This was
where I kind of regressed since I do
not do well under pressure. The target
rings each represent a certain amount
of points: the outermost ring was one
point, going in until you reach the bullseye,
which is five. We split into teams and
went two at a time. The first game was just
a battle for the most points (my team won,
though admittedly my partner really carried
the team).
catwalk demonstration
Photos by Stephen DiPietro
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