Practicing for IATC Round 1: some tips.

Round 1 is, in my humble opinion, one of those absolutely goofy, wildly unique elements of throwing in the IATF.

That's saying a lot, considering the other hallmarks of this sport is handing out stickers and alcoholism.

Love it or hate it, Round 1 is a singular opportunity to lock in your chance at heading to the big show in Toronto -- whether you're one of the best throwers in the world or just did really well one single time.

It can be exciting -- and infuriating. But this all-or-nothing, once-a-year event presents an ultra-rare chance. A lottery, really, except you're not hunched over a bunch of scratch-offs and are instead wondering if you'll be "on" when it's your turn to throw 75 times in a row.

Why do I bring this whole mess up, you may very well be asking yourself at this point. Well, for two reasons if I'm being honest. First, because I just got a new writing device which I'm having a lot of fun with (and am looking for an excuse to use), and second because I want to share some thoughts about how you can better prepare yourself for Round 1 -- again, a method of determining who goes to IATC by using a process that happens no other time during the year anywhere else in the sport.

Practice throwing like you're doing Round 1 long before doing Round 1

I've noticed that plenty of throwers here in Lancaster (including me) often do some dry-run attempts at Round 1 as the day in question starts approaching. It makes sense, to be sure, but truthfully, it makes a lot of sense to do those rehearsals starting from the minute you know you've qualified for the ding-dang thing.

This can be a pricey endeavor, as venues often assign time to practice for Round 1, but often too close to the event to really, you know, integrate any lessons learned into your efforts. But even if you can afford an hour for practice, try getting as close as you can to 75 throws. See how your body feels, how your throw changes. Your sweet, sweet body just loves experiencing something more than once (in the case of muscle memory/improvement), so it's probably worth a little bit of investment.

Take it seriously but, like, not too seriously.

Round 1 is a serious business for many of the people who take part, and for good reason. I get it. But--and this shouldn't come as a surprise to any of you who've read anything I've written in the past--I don't feel like there is much in this sport that should be taken seriously.

Point in fact, taking it too seriously can really, really mess up your throwing. It's part of that "this is a unique, weird thing compared to everything else we typically do in the sport" comment I made earlier. Adding a whole mess of extra pressure to your throwing, espesh when you're doing something you won't do more than once a year (sans practice), is a recipe for troubles.

Pop-o-matic troubles, in fact.

I can't just say "don't get stressed about it, big dawg" and have that fix anything, but whatever you can do to limit the amount of pressure you're feeling is a really good idea.

For some people that means making sure you're throwing alongside your closest axe-throwing pals. Or maybe you just practice from now until Round 1 so it all feels very familiar. For me, it's a matter of mixing practicing for Round 1 AND shifting my mindset from a "this matters very much" to "it's a fun thing to do."

A simple thing to do? No, not at all. But honestly, pretty important.

Actually prep your equipment and creature comforts.

This one is so important.

If you're gonna use a specific axe (you are going to. I don't know why I made it sound like you were just gonna huck whatever), make sure that axe is in perfect working order. If you're gonna use chalk, make sure you have it packed. Check yer shoes and your favorite undies are clean and whatever else.

I have heard enough stories about a thrower going into Round 1 only to realize a loose hatchet head is REALLY loose. Or their big axe tape is falling apart. Or whatever it is! This can be (not for me b/c I know where I am in this sport, but for you) a very important part of the year for throwers, and making sure everything is in order is a good way to make sure you're not walking into a surprise on Round 1 day.