I had the opportunity to get some throws in, and it only takes a few rounds to get used to the motion. Yes, it was intimidating to swing an ax above my head for the first time, but each throw became more comfortable. I quickly figured out how hard to throw the hatchet — you don't want to launch it too hard or the top of the head will clank against the wood — and the release timing so I didn't send it flying toward the floor.