Tomahawk Throwing for Scouts

Yes, when it is run under proper supervision and follows current Scout guidance. A clearly marked range, appropriate safety briefing, and competent instructors help ensure everyone can take part safely.

The suitable age depends on your Scout section, the participant's ability, and the current rules of your Scout association. Leaders should always check the latest activity guidance before organising a session. There is a number of options to help Cubs and Beaver Scouts take part.

Only purpose-made throwing tomahawks or small throwing hawks designed for target throwing should be used. These are balanced for safe and predictable flight camping or woodworking axes are not to be used.

The best targets are made from softwood log rounds mounted securely on a sturdy frame. The wood should be replaced when it becomes badly damaged to ensure tomahawks stick properly. See the Guide Above

The throwing distance depends on the size and design of the tomahawk, but All sessions start at 3 metres for Angles and 4m for Tomahawks. Throwers can adjust their distance as they gain experience and improve their technique never closer.

Grip the handle firmly in one hand but without squeezing too tightly in a hammer grip. Hold it near the end of the handle with the blade facing the target (unless a 5m throw where you turn the blade away from the target), allow the tomahawk to rotate naturally during the throw.

Most beginners have a three rotation throw. Once they become more confident, they can develop techniques to achieve consistent, accurate throws some will have a diffrent rotation, that is fine they may requre some ajustments to get the head stick in the target.

Remain behind the throwing line until instructed to collect it. Check your throwing distance, grip, stance and release point before trying again. Small adjustments often make a big difference.

Over and Under Rotating of a Tomahawk.
Under rotation can be fix by moving further back. (A little Each Throw until success)
It is not posable to cross over the 4m line that would be unsafe!

You Can:

Fix Small amount of over rotation by a reach towards the target during the throw.

Larger amounts can be fixed by changing the grip on the tomahawk, simply putting the thumb up the back of the handle.

Yes. Tomahawk throwing makes an excellent competition activity for camps, district events, and leader training days. Popular formats include round the clock, hit the circle to stay in, bullseye challenge, and quick draw games.

It can, provided there is enough space, suitable targets, and a safe range setup. Most Scout groups prefer to run sessions outdoors where larger safety zones can be established eazer.

Wear sturdy footwear with no open toes and comfortable outdoor clothing that allows free movement. Avoid loose clothing like hoods or accessories such as necker or scarf that could interfere with throwing.

Scouts develop:

Concentration, Hand-eye, Patience, Confidence, Self-control, Safe tool handling, Respect for range discipline.

This depends on the number of targets available and number if instructors/range managers the width of the range. Each thrower should have their own target lane, with everyone throwing and collecting tomahawks together under the direction of the range leader.

Absolutely. Tomahawk throwing techniques can easily be adapted for both left- and right-handed participants, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy the activity.

No. Most Scouts can learn the basic technique within a few minutes. Beginners usually start with simple instruction before progressing to scoring games and friendly competitions.

Always follow the instructions of the range leader. Never cross the throwing line until everyone has finished throwing and the command has been given to collect the tomahawks.